Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man is main suspect in Monaco attack

Monaco Bomb Attack: Ukrainian Woman in Masculine Disguise Faces Suspicions

Ukrainian woman who disguised herself – Monaco’s security forces have named Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, as the main suspect in a recent bomb attack that targeted a prominent Ukrainian businessman. The incident, which occurred on Monday, left one individual in critical condition and others with injuries, sparking a thorough investigation into her alleged role. Authorities revealed that Berezovska had concealed her identity using a masculine disguise, a detail that has drawn attention to the strategic nature of her actions. Her connection to the attack was confirmed through an Interpol Red Notice, which highlighted her presence in the city during the explosion. The woman, previously based in Germany, had also been linked to the rented vehicle used for the operation, further cementing her role in the event.

The Disguise and Its Implications

Details of Berezovska’s appearance have fueled speculation about her motives. Surveillance footage and photographs suggest she wore a black jumper, light-colored trousers, and a black bucket hat, which initially led media to assume she was a man. However, closer analysis uncovered her true identity, revealing a woman with her hair hidden beneath the hat. This disguise, along with a tattoo on her right arm, has raised questions about her potential ties to organized groups or personal symbolism. Investigators are examining whether her choice of attire was a deliberate effort to bypass security measures or mask her identity in a high-profile setting.

BFMTV, CNN’s French affiliate, shared the suspect’s image after the attack, sparking public interest. The photograph, released shortly after the incident, showed Berezovska fleeing the scene in a coordinated manner. The tattoo, resembling a snake, may hold significance, though its meaning remains unclear. Authorities have yet to determine if it reflects a political statement, a personal emblem, or a coded message. The disguise not only aided her escape but also allowed her to blend into the crowd, highlighting the level of preparation involved in the attack.

A Historic Moment in a Secure City

Monaco, a city-state known for its tight security, has faced its first recorded attempted assassination in recent history. The city, roughly half the size of Central Park, is patrolled by 556 police officers and monitored by over 1,300 CCTV cameras, making it one of the most surveilled regions globally. Despite this, the bomb attack struck at a vulnerable moment, targeting individuals returning from a seaside dinner. The precision of the blast, combined with the suspect’s ability to evade detection, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Monaco’s security protocols.

Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault described the attack as a “targeted operation,” emphasizing its calculated execution. The remote detonation of the bomb suggests advanced planning, as Berezovska was able to flee the scene before the explosion. Security cameras captured her scouting the area repeatedly, reinforcing the idea that the attack was meticulously organized. The involvement of a German-registered car, used to transport her to the scene, has added another layer to the international investigation, as her movements spanned multiple countries.

International Cooperation and Clues

German authorities have joined forces with Monaco in the investigation, searching the apartment and vehicle of a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman suspected of ties to the attack. The findings from this search are expected to provide critical insights into the suspect’s activities and potential accomplices. The rented car, linked to Berezovska, was later traced to the location of the explosion, offering a tangible connection to the crime. As the probe expands across borders, the focus remains on her ability to navigate through different jurisdictions unnoticed, a feat that has puzzled investigators.

While two men were detained in Monaco prior to the attack, they were released due to insufficient evidence. This has shifted attention back to Berezovska, who remains the central figure in the case. The attack’s timing, occurring four days after the initial explosion, has led to theories about its premeditation. Security footage and witness accounts are being analyzed to piece together the sequence of events, with the suspect’s disguise playing a key role in the investigation’s direction. As more details emerge, the focus on her dual identity continues to shape the narrative of the incident.