A new high-profile criminal case is unfolding in Kyiv, directly intersecting with an international scandal in the Principality of Monaco. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG) has confirmed, together with the police, the death of Anastasia Berezovskaya — a woman sought by Interpol and Monaco authorities for suspected involvement in the car bombing of Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev. The investigation has already detained two suspects in her murder, one of whom is an active-duty military serviceman.

Chronology of Return and Death

The 39-year-old native of the Zhytomyr region had been abroad since March 2025. Her return to her homeland occurred on July 1, 2026, via a scheduled bus. However, shortly thereafter, Berezovskaya was found dead in the Kyiv region. Initial reports mentioned the name Irina, but the investigation identified the deceased as Anastasia Berezovskaya.

The woman's death became a key turning point in the investigation of the incident in Monte Carlo, which occurred on June 29. At that time, three people, including a minor child, were injured in the detonation of an explosive device. It was for this version of events that Berezovskaya was placed on an international wanted list (Interpol "Red Notice").

Who Was Detained: A Serviceman and an Ex-Policeman

As part of the criminal proceedings regarding intentional murder (Part 2, Item 12 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — commission of a crime by a group of persons by prior conspiracy), law enforcement officials established the circle of contacts of the deceased and detained two citizens:

  • Vladislav Reut (33 years old): active-duty military serviceman, seconded to the structures of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
  • Second Suspect (49 years old): former law enforcement officer who served in police units of the Kyiv region until 2020.

According to official OPG data, one of the detainees provided confessional testimony during urgent investigative actions and indicated the exact location where the body of the deceased was hidden in the suburbs of Kyiv.

Motives and Investigation Theory

At the current stage, the court is considering the issue of selecting a preventive measure for the detainees in the form of detention without the right to post bail. The investigation's theory regarding the motives of the crime is of particular interest. During interrogations, the suspects deny that the murder of Berezovskaya was related to the incident in Monaco or the execution of any special missions.

Instead, the suspects argue that their actions were driven by financial and domestic motives and issues of cross-border settlements. The case materials record facts of transfers of fiat funds and cryptocurrency assets. Official spokespeople for the SBU and the Ministry of Defense emphasize that the central leadership of the agencies did not have information about Berezovskaya's movements, and the actions of the detainees are classified as personal initiative.

International Resonance and Legal Risks

The situation has acquired an international scale. The Ukrainian side has officially transferred materials from the primary examinations to colleagues from the judicial authorities of Monaco to synchronize the investigation. This is necessary to understand how the death of Berezovskaya affects the course of the car bombing case in Europe.

However, beyond the criminal chronicle, a discussion has unfolded regarding reputational risks. International commentators, including analysts from the Financial Times, note that the presence of cross-border criminal elements linked to Ukrainian security forces in European chronicles could be used by external parties to pressure Kyiv. In the context of monitoring the fulfillment of EU anti-corruption and legal compliance criteria, such cases create long-term threats to the country's image.

It is important to remember that according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent until their guilt is proven in a legal manner. All information regarding the involvement of the detainees in the murder and their connection to the incident in Monaco is preliminary and requires a final court ruling.