Criminal Investigation Launched into Kidnapping and Murder of Russian Crypto Fraudster and Wife in UAE

Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the presumed murder of a couple from St. Petersburg who vanished in the United Arab Emirates in early October. Reports suggest they were kidnapped and killed after being held for ransom.

The disappearance of Roman Novak and his wife, Anna, who resided in Dubai, was reported by their relatives after they were unreachable for several days, as stated by Russia’s Investigative Committee, which handles major criminal cases.

The couple’s driver last dropped them off on October 2 near a lake in Hatta, close to the Oman border, for what was described as a meeting with prospective investors. After transferring to another vehicle, they were not seen again.

According to the St. Petersburg news outlet Fontanka, which cited unnamed sources, eight Russian nationals are believed to be involved, including three alleged masterminds and five hired intermediaries.

Reports indicate that seven suspects have been apprehended in Russia, and investigators are collaborating with UAE officials to uncover the complete details of the incident.

Fontanka has reported that the victims were lured to a rented villa under the guise of discussing investments, where they were assaulted and killed after failing to grant access to cryptocurrency funds. Their dismembered bodies were allegedly discovered on October 3 near Fujairah.

Russian and Emirati law enforcement have reportedly traced the suspects’ movements through surveillance footage and phone signals, which were detected briefly in Oman and later in South Africa before vanishing on October 4.

The report also mentioned that four of the five intermediaries are anticipated to be released this week, as investigators have determined they were simply used to facilitate what they believed was a legitimate investment meeting.

Roman Novak became well-known in Russia’s cryptocurrency sector for portraying himself as a successful entrepreneur with connections to Telegram creator Pavel Durov.

He established the platform Fintopio, which promised rapid cryptocurrency transactions and partnerships with major tech companies, attracting investors from Russia, China, and the Middle East.

In November 2020, Novak was convicted of fraud and sentenced to six years in a St. Petersburg prison for misleading partners in investment and cryptocurrency ventures.

He was released in 2023 and subsequently relocated abroad to continue attracting investments for new projects.

The couple is survived by two young children, who are now in the care of relatives.