The woman suspected of orchestrating a parcel bombing in Monaco that injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his family has been found dead, according to Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian, was discovered buried in a forest in the Kyiv region with gunshot wounds to the head, the SBU and Ukraine's prosecutor general confirmed.
Cross-Border Manhunt Ends in Murder
A cross-border manhunt had been launched for Berezovska after she allegedly planted a bomb in the entrance hall of an apartment building in Monaco on 29 June. Officials believed she had fled the wealthy city-state following the attack. The SBU stated that Berezovska arrived in Ukraine on 1 July, two days after the incident, citing law enforcement sources.
Two days later, on 3 July, two suspects met Berezovska in a car on a highway in the Kyiv region, according to the office of Ukraine's prosecutor general, which provided details to the BBC. "The victim traveled a certain distance with them, after which she was killed," the prosecutor's office said.
Suspects Detained and Confessions Made
Two individuals, including a current officer within Ukraine's Ministry of Defence (MoD), have been detained on suspicion of murder. The SBU reported that Berezovska had communicated with her family and two men after entering Ukraine: a former law enforcement officer and a current officer in the MoD's main intelligence directorate.
The two men were investigated as possible accomplices in the Monaco attack based on information that they repeatedly transferred funds to Berezovska's "crypto and bank accounts." The intelligence officer subsequently confessed to Berezovska's murder and stated he had acted with "another suspect," the SBU said. "Both suspects were detained on suspicion of committing murder with premeditation by a group of individuals." An investigation is ongoing with the "personal assistance" of the head of the intelligence directorate, Oleg Ivashchenko.
Torture Chamber Discovered
During a search of the former law enforcement officer's home in the Kyiv region, the SBU discovered a basement room "resembling a torture chamber." However, Ukraine's prosecutor general stated it had "no evidence" the room was involved in Berezovska's case and that it "simply reflect[s] the profile of one of the suspects." The prosecutor's office released a video of the room, showing a mat dotted with what appear to be small spots of blood. Two axes, a pickaxe, tarpaulin spread on the floor, and a large bag were also visible.
