Ukraine’s Security Service said on Tuesday it had found the body of Ukrainian citizen Anastasiia Berezovska, who was wanted by authorities in Monaco in connection with the bombing of Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev.
The security department, also known by its internal abbreviation SBU, said an officer serving in Ukraine’s military intelligence agency confessed to killing Berezovska with the help of a former law enforcement officer. He claimed he acted on his own accord and without telling his superiors, the statement said.
The June 29 attack reportedly targeted Yermolaiev, who is related to Russiaand his family. Three people were injured, including a child. The incident shocked Monaco, a coastal sports haven for the rich and famous known for its tax-free incentives, the royal family and the Formula One Grand Prix. His head of state, Prince Albert II, described the explosion as a “disgusting act” and said all public services were mobilized to ensure safety.
Interpol had identified 39-year-old Berezovska as the prime suspect. The police agency named him in a Red Notice seeking his arrest on charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy.
Interpol on Tuesday said it had no immediate comment and that the Red Notice on its website would remain until Monaco requested its removal.
The SBU said investigators targeted the two men after discovering they had regularly transferred cryptocurrency and cash through bank accounts to Berezovska. During the search, authorities also found what the SBU described as a torture chamber-like basement in the home of a former law enforcement officer.
Investigators found Berezovska’s body during the reconstruction of the crime based on the testimony of one of the suspects. He had gunshot wounds to the head, and investigators found shell casings from a used pistol at the scene, the SBU said.
