Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man is main suspect in Monaco attack
Ukrainian Woman in Masculine Disguise Suspected in Monaco Bomb Attack
Ukrainian woman who disguised herself - A 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, who concealed her identity by dressing as a man, has emerged as the central figure in a shocking bomb attack that injured a wealthy businessman and two others in Monaco. Authorities confirmed that Anastasiia Berezovska, the main suspect, had previously resided in Germany and was known to have a snake-like tattoo on her right arm. Her escape to France after the incident, followed by a journey to Italy via a German-registered vehicle, has raised questions about the logistics of the operation and her ability to evade detection initially.
The Suspect’s Disguise and Tactics
Investigators noted that Berezovska’s choice to adopt a masculine appearance was deliberate, allowing her to blend into the crowd and avoid suspicion. Security footage captured her scouting the location multiple times before the attack, which occurred at the entrance of a luxury apartment complex. Her methodical approach, including checking for victims post-explosion, suggests a well-planned attempt to target specific individuals. This case marks the first bomb attack in Monaco’s history, despite its reputation for stringent security protocols.
Investigation and International Collaboration
Monaco’s prosecutors, including Stéphane Thibault, described the attack as an "attempted assassination" and emphasized its significance. The incident took place four days ago, striking Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born entrepreneur, and others in the vicinity. While two men were detained initially, they were later released due to a lack of direct evidence linking them to the attack. This has led to increased scrutiny of Berezovska, whose gender was initially misidentified by media outlets based on a circulated photo.
Monaco’s advanced surveillance network, comprising 556 officers and over 1,300 CCTV cameras, was instrumental in tracking the suspect. The footage revealed her movements and confirmed her disguise, which she maintained during the attack. The investigation has now expanded internationally, with German police assisting in examining her rented vehicle and apartment. This collaboration underscores the cross-border nature of the case and the need for coordinated efforts to uncover the full scope of the plot.
Impact on Monaco’s Security and Public Perception
The attack has sent ripples through Monaco’s tightly knit community, challenging the principality’s image as a secure haven. Local officials have expressed concern over the incident, noting that no fatalities were reported last year, making this event a rare but critical disruption. The bombing’s sophistication and the suspect’s ability to execute it in plain sight have prompted discussions about potential vulnerabilities in the city-state’s security infrastructure.
Berezovska’s actions also highlight the broader implications of her disguise. By adopting a male persona, she exploited common assumptions about gender roles, a tactic that may have aided her in evading initial identification. During a televised interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, she claimed she was not present at the scene during the attack and had no prior connection to the victims. However, her statements have not yet resolved the mystery of her involvement.
The victims of the blast include Yermolaiev, a woman, and a child, with the woman’s condition remaining critical. While the child and Yermolaiev sustained less severe injuries, two additional individuals were hurt by falling glass debris. The identities of all victims are still under investigation, though authorities have confirmed that they are part of a Ukrainian family. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the case, as it suggests a possible personal connection to the suspect.