Russian Couple Found Dead in Dubai
'Cryptocurrency Millionaires' Flaunted Lavish Lifestyle on Social Media
Couple Lured by Promise of Investment Meeting
Seven Suspects Arrested in Russia
A Russian virtual asset (cryptocurrency) millionaire couple was found dead in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), one month after they went missing. Russian authorities believe the crime was financially motivated and have expanded their investigation.
According to recent reports from Russian media outlets such as The Moscow Times, the Russian Investigative Committee announced that Roman Novac and his spouse Anna Novac, who were residing in Dubai, were found mutilated in a desert area near Dubai. The case is suspected to be a crime committed for ransom.
The Investigative Committee stated that the couple had been out of contact for several days, prompting their family to report them missing. Their driver testified that he last saw them on October 2, dropping them off at a lakeside in the Hatta resort area of Dubai for an investment-related meeting. Afterward, the couple reportedly switched to another vehicle and did not reappear.
The Investigative Committee added, "Novac sent a final message to his acquaintances, saying, 'We are trapped in the mountains near the Oman border and desperately need 152,000 pounds (approximately 300 million won).' "
The St. Petersburg-based media outlet Fontanka, citing anonymous sources, reported that eight Russian nationals appear to be involved in the case, with three believed to be organizers and five serving as intermediaries.
Currently, seven people have been arrested in Russia. The investigative authorities are working with UAE officials to clarify the circumstances of the case.
According to Fontanka, the victims were attacked and killed in a villa after refusing to provide access to their cryptocurrency. Their mutilated bodies were found near Fujairah, UAE, on October 3.
Russian and UAE police tracked the suspects' movements using closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and mobile phone signals. The signals briefly passed through Oman and were last detected in South Africa before disappearing on October 4.
Fontanka also reported that four of the five intermediaries are expected to be released this week, confirming that they believed they were merely arranging an investment meeting.
Roman was known for his connections with Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, and gained recognition in the Russian cryptocurrency industry. He founded the 'Fintopio' platform, which emphasized rapid cryptocurrency transfers and promoted collaborations with major technology companies, attracting investors from Russia, China, and the Middle East. The couple often showcased their luxurious lifestyle on social media, posting photos of luxury cars and private jets.
However, in November 2020, Roman was convicted of fraud in Russia for deceiving partners in investment and cryptocurrency projects and was sentenced to six years in prison. After being released in 2023, he reportedly moved abroad and began seeking new business investors.
The couple is survived by two young children, who are currently being cared for by relatives.
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