Crypto Scammer Behind $500M Scheme Found Murdered in Dubai.

Dramatic and disturbing crime has shaken Dubai’s crypto community after Roman Novak, a Russian crypto fraudster accused of fleeing with $500 million, was found dead alongside his wife, Anna Novak, following what authorities believe was a violent ransom plot gone wrong.

Kidnapping Disguised as Investor Meeting

The couple was last seen on October 2 when their driver dropped them off near a resort in the Hatta region, close to the UAE–Oman border. They believed they were meeting new investors.

Instead, investigators say they were picked up by another vehicle and transported to a villa, where kidnappers attempted to extract the password to Novak’s crypto wallet — only to discover the funds were gone.

When the kidnappers realized there was no money to recover, the couple was allegedly killed. Their remains were later discovered buried in the desert, with some body parts reportedly found in trash bins at a Dubai shopping mall.

Lavish Lifestyle and High-Profile Fraud

Roman and Anna were well known on social media for showcasing their extravagant lifestyle:

• Rolls-Royce
• A vintage Cobra
• Private jets
• Luxury vacations

Behind the glamor, Roman Novak was infamous in the Russian crypto scene. He claimed to be the founder of Fintopio, a crypto payments platform where he raised roughly $500 million from investors across Russia, China, and the Middle East — before allegedly running off with the money.

Fintopio later announced the shutdown of its wallet service “to review operations,” adding to suspicions.

Novak had already been convicted of fraud in 2020 and sentenced to six years, but was released early on parole in 2023 and moved to the UAE, where he continued soliciting new investors.

Eight Suspects Identified

Authorities in the UAE have identified eight suspects involved in the kidnapping and killing.

• Three alleged organizers
• Five intermediaries or hired participants

The couple leaves behind two children, now relocated to live with relatives.

Related Case: Another Russian Crypto Millionaire Dies in Fiery Crash

In a separate incident, another Russian crypto figure, Alexei Dolgikh, 36, died in a high-speed crash in Moscow when his Lamborghini Urus flipped and exploded. Authorities had reportedly blacklisted him months earlier over suspected money laundering. He accumulated 586 speeding fines in the 15 months since buying the $431K SUV.