Russian billionaire Roman Novak and his wife Anna were found quartered and buried in a Dubai desert after their disappearance on 2 October.
Murder of the Russian Billionaire
Bodies of Roman Novak and his wife Anna were buried in a desert in Dubai. Russian media reported the corpses were quartered. The couple disappeared on 2 October and were last seen near the Oman border in the Dubai area.
The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation confirmed suspects had been detained and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify all parties involved.
Kidnapping and Ransom Attempt
Novak was a businessman noted for cryptocurrency investments. Investigators say the couple were kidnapped by individuals in the UAE to demand a high ransom.
Reports indicated that Novak allegedly sent messages claiming he was trapped in mountains on the Oman border and urgently needed 200 000 USD. The kidnappers’ demands were not met, and the victims were then killed and buried in the desert.
Investigation and Findings
The committee found that the killers had accomplices who helped organize the abduction, rented cars and facilities where the victims were forcibly held.
After the murders, the suspects disposed of knives and personal items of the victims, leaving them in the Emirati territory.
Suspects Arrested
Three Russian citizens have been detained: 53‑year‑old Konstantin Szacht, a former homicide investigator turned drug dealer; 46‑year‑old Jurij Szarypow; and 45‑year‑old Vladimir Dalekin, both of whom served in the Russian military.
Alleged Fraud Against Crypto Investors
Novak was recently under investigation for fraud, suspected of illegally securing over 380 million USD from cryptocurrency investors while claiming to raise funds for his business.
Investors targeted by Novak allegedly included those from China and the Middle East.