French media say prime suspect in June 29 Monaco bombing is a Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man

The prime suspect in the Monaco bombing that wounded Ukrainian businessman Vadym Iermolaiev is a woman, the French newspaper Le Figaro and broadcaster BFMTV reported, citing unidentified sources.

According to BFMTV, Monaco police have identified the suspect, who was traced to a European country. The principality’s authorities asked that country for assistance in the investigation. Le Figaro reported that the suspect may be a Ukrainian national living in Germany.

The suspect’s name has not been disclosed. She is reportedly around 30 years old. She reportedly surveilled Iermolaiev before leaving a bomb at the entrance to his home. An internal Monaco police note cited by BFMTV says she is thought to have disguised herself to appear male.

BFMTV reported that the suspect remotely detonated the explosive device as Iermolaiev’s companion, Anna Nasobina, passed near it. She is the daughter of a former first deputy prosecutor for Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region and a co-founder of Club Éclectique, a private members’ and literary-arts society in London. Nasobina reportedly lives with Iermolaiev. She was severely injured in the blast and both her legs were amputated.

The attack on Iermolaiev took place on June 29. A bomb exploded at the entrance of the building where he lives. His companion and 13-year-old son were wounded. The following day, police detained an initial suspect but soon released him without filing charges.

BFMTV reported that investigators are now examining two main theories behind the attack: organized crime and foreign interference. Le Figaro had reported earlier that Ukraine’s Security Service may have been involved in the bombing.