Russian Crypto Millionaire, Wife Murdered After Being Lured to Fake Investment Meeting in UAE

A Russian cryptocurrency investor, Roman Novak, 38, and his wife, Anna, have been found dead in the United Arab Emirates after they were allegedly lured to a meeting under the guise of discussing potential investments.

The couple, who lived in Dubai, disappeared about a month ago after travelling to the Hatta mountain region near the Oman border. They reportedly believed they were meeting prospective investors, according to reports cited by Mail Online.

Authorities say the couple’s personal driver took them to a car park near a lake in Hatta, where they transferred into another vehicle before losing contact with friends and associates. Shortly after, Novak is said to have sent urgent messages requesting £152,000, saying he was “stuck in the mountains on the Oman border.” Communication with the couple ceased soon afterward.

Russian investigators revealed that the couple’s mobile phones continued emitting signals in Hatta, then later in Oman and Cape Town, allegedly to mislead investigators. Their remains were later discovered buried in a desert area in the UAE.

Russian law enforcement has linked the killings to a group of suspects, including two former fighters who had served in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and a former homicide detective. The individuals were identified as Konstantin Shakht, 53, a former investigator turned alleged drug smuggler, along with Yury Sharypov, 46, and Vladimir Dalekin, 45. They were detained across various Russian regions after reportedly returning from Dubai.

Investigators believe the suspects abducted the couple to extort access to Novak’s cryptocurrency holdings. However, reports indicate the crypto wallet they demanded access to was empty. When they failed to obtain a ransom, the victims were murdered and dismembered.

Authorities say evidence recovered in the UAE included traces of blood in a villa and a rented vehicle, as well as knives believed to have been used in the crime. The suspects have been remanded in custody until December 28, while up to five others, all under the age of 25, are also being investigated for possible involvement.

Novak, known for showcasing luxury assets including an elite British AC Cobra sports car, was reportedly under criminal investigation in Russia before his disappearance. He was accused of defrauding investors of over £38 million through cryptocurrency schemes, targeting businesspeople from China and the Middle East.

The couple’s children have since been taken in by Anna’s family.

The case remains under joint investigation by Russian and UAE authorities.