Ukraine wants joint investigation in Monaco bomb case after suspect found dead, top prosecutor says
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ukraine seeks a joint investigation with Monaco into a bombing that injured a Ukrainian-born businessman, requesting cooperation after a key suspect was found dead.
- A suspect in the Monaco bombing, Anastasiia Berezovska, was found dead in Ukraine, with two individuals, including an intelligence officer, detained in connection with her death.
- Monaco's prosecutor is exchanging information with Ukraine's Prosecutor General regarding the ongoing investigation into the parcel bomb attack.
Ukraine is pushing for a joint investigation with Monaco into a high-profile bombing that targeted a Ukrainian-born businessman, following the discovery of a key suspect's death near Kyiv. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko stated Ukraine's commitment to full cooperation with Monaco's authorities.
The incident occurred on June 29 when a parcel bomb exploded in Monaco, injuring businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his wife, and their son. Authorities identified a female suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, who allegedly fled to France and then drove through several European countries. Monaco issued an arrest warrant for her.
I have assured that Ukraine is open to full cooperation in accordance with international legal procedures. I am counting on the same stance from our partners in the Principality of Monaco
However, Berezovska was reportedly shot and her body discovered on July 3. Ukraine's prosecutor-general's office confirmed her death. The investigation into her killing has led to the detention of two suspects in Ukraine, one identified as an officer with the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) and the other a former law enforcement officer. A Kyiv court ordered both suspects to be held without bail.
Media reports indicate the HUR employee has since retracted his confession, claiming the other defendant fired the fatal shots and that he confessed under duress. Berezovska was wanted in Monaco on charges including attempted murder and criminal conspiracy. Monaco prosecutor Stephane Thibault confirmed a video call with his Ukrainian counterpart to exchange information.
The blast wounded businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his wife and their 13-year-old son, and two suspects, including a Ukrainian intelligence officer, have been detained.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.