Russian Crypto Millionaire Roman Novak and His Wife Found Dead in Dubai Desert

Russian crypto investor Roman Novak and his wife Anna Novak, missing for nearly a month in the United Arab Emirates, were found buried and dismembered in the Dubai desert. The couple was last seen heading to a meeting with unidentified investors in Dubai’s Hatta region. Authorities say they were kidnapped for ransom, but after the payment was not made, they were murdered and buried deep in the desert.

Russia’s Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko confirmed that three suspects — former police officer Konstantin Shakht, Yury Sharypov, and Vladimir Dalekin — were arrested and will remain in custody until December 28. The suspects allegedly rented cars and safe houses to plan the abduction and later destroyed weapons and belongings across several emirates before fleeing back to Russia.

The Novaks were known on social media for their luxurious lifestyle, including sports cars and private jets. Reports claim Roman Novak had connections to wealthy figures such as Telegram founder Pavel Durov.

Authorities stated that the couple was blackmailed for their cryptocurrency fortune. In his final message, Roman wrote, “I’m stranded in the mountains near the Oman border, I urgently need $200,000.” Their young child has been left orphaned following the tragic events.