The bodies of Russian crypto blogger Roman Novak (38) and his wife, Anna (37), were reportedly recovered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by law enforcement. The discovery marks a turning point in the high-profile case in which a Russian-led organized group is accused of alleged kidnapping, torture, and murdering the couple to steal cryptocurrency.

According to a Russian media report, Novak and his wife went missing in early November after traveling to meet potential investors in the village of Hatta, southeast of Dubai. Investigators believe the perpetrators lured the couple to a rented cottage, demanded passwords to their crypto wallets, and subsequently murdered them. The couple’s relatives only reported them missing a few days later, not on the initial date of their disappearance on Oct. 2.

Read more: Russian Authorities Arrest Suspects Over Crypto Investor Couple’s UAE Murder

Novak’s murder came a few years after he was convicted of large-scale fraud and sentenced to six years in prison in Russia. After being granted parole, he moved to the UAE where he launched a crypto application called Fintopio. He reportedly raised a massive amount of investment, though he was later accused of defrauding investors.

The St. Petersburg Investigative Committee reportedly said its experts, after reviewing the remains, concluded that the couple was tortured to extort access codes to their crypto wallets. The bodies were found placed in thick plastic bags that had been doused with strong chemical solvents. While two of the three arrested men confessed to strangling the victims, the evidence of torture is expected to drastically impact the indictment.

The UAE Secret Service gathered intelligence that led to the arrest of three Russian perpetrators—a former criminal investigation officer and two members of the Special Operations Directorate. Two of the men confessed, guiding authorities to the desert. The UAE police conducted an extensive search across a 500-by-500-meter area before locating the remains.

The arrested mastermind of the plot, Konstantin Shakht (formerly Lipatov), who has a history of serious criminal convictions, is reportedly denying all charges. Officials believe he is concealing the true mastermind. Given his past and the severity of the current charges, official memos indicate Shakht faces life imprisonment.

• Where were Roman Novak and his wife found? Their bodies were recovered in the United Arab Emirates near Hatta, southeast of Dubai.
• Who is accused in the case? Three Russian nationals, including ex-security officers, were arrested for the alleged crime.
• What was the motive behind the murders? Investigators say the couple was tortured to obtain passwords to their cryptocurrency wallets.
• What charges could the suspects face? The alleged mastermind, Konstantin Shakht, is denying involvement but could face life imprisonment.

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