Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have detained several suspects after a Russian cryptocurrency fraudster and his wife were kidnapped and killed overseas.
Roman Novak and his wife, Anna, were reported missing in early October when family members could no longer reach them. Local media in the UAE confirmed on November 7 that the couple had been held for ransom and later killed when the kidnappers failed to obtain the money they demanded.

Police in the UAE have arrested several Russian nationals believed to be involved. Officials say the suspects will be extradited to Saint Petersburg as the investigation continues.
Relatives tracked the couple’s phones for several days after their disappearance. Signals were detected in Hatta, Oman, and even Cape Town, South Africa, before going silent on October 4. Anna’s father later traveled to Dubai to collect the pair’s young children.

Novak had a documented history of financial crimes. In 2020, he was convicted of fraud and sentenced to six years in a general regime colony. Before his latest disappearance, he promoted himself as a successful crypto entrepreneur and founder of the platform Fintopio, which he claimed could process fast digital payments.

Investigators say he persuaded investors from China, the Middle East, and other regions to put money into his project. He allegedly promised big partnerships and claimed connections to high-profile figures. Reports suggest he may have secured around $500 million before fleeing. Employees were left unpaid and investors lost access to their funds.

Some Russian media outlets speculate that investors defrauded by Novak may have been linked to the crime, though investigators have not confirmed this. Several suspects have reportedly confessed, but the couple’s bodies have still not been recovered.

Authorities say the case remains active and expect more details to emerge as the extradition process unfolds.