Overview
- UAE police, as cited by Russian media, confirmed the Novaks’ remains were recovered from a remote desert area weeks after their October disappearance.
- St. Petersburg authorities detained Russians Konstantin Shakht, Yury Sharypov, and Vladimir Dalekin; Sharypov and Dalekin have reportedly confessed while Shakht denies involvement.
- Investigators say the pair were lured to Hatta under a fake investor meeting and were allegedly tortured to obtain crypto wallet access, a claim still being verified.
- Roman Novak, founder of the Fintopio platform, previously served a 2020 fraud sentence in Russia, with media alleging large investor losses linked to his ventures.
- Forensic and legal work continues across jurisdictions, with the suspects remanded in custody in Russia until December 28 as authorities probe motive and any accomplices.