Bodies of Russian crypto millionaire, wife found in Dubai desert

FUJAIRAH, Nov. 13 (YPA) – The bodies of Russian crypto entrepreneur Roman Novak and his wife, Anna Novak, were discovered dismembered and buried in a desert near Dubai on Oct. 3, media sources reported.

According to The Moscow Times, Russian investigators have opened a criminal case into the suspected murder of Roman Novak and his wife, Anna, from St. Petersburg, who went missing in the United Arab Emirates in early October.

Media reports suggest the couple were kidnapped and killed after being held for ransom.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes, said in a statement that relatives of the couple — who had been living in Dubai — reported their disappearance after being unable to contact them for several days.

The couple were last seen on October 2, when their driver dropped them off near a lake in the Hatta region, close to the Omani border, for what was described as a meeting with potential investors. They then switched to another vehicle and were never seen again.

The St. Petersburg-based news agency Fontanka cited unnamed sources as saying that eight Russian nationals are suspected of involvement in the crime, including three alleged organizers and five hired intermediaries.

Seven of the suspects have reportedly been arrested in Russia, and investigators are working with UAE authorities to establish the full circumstances of the crime.

Meanwhile, The Sun reported that the case is linked to a $500 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme.

@E.Y.M