Authorities in Dubai have arrested an Israeli national in connection with the killing of a Russian crypto figure and his wife. According to reports, authorities have continued to unravel a case that has drawn the attention of the global crypto community.
According to reports, the United Arab Emirates authorities had previously detained Michael Greenberg, also known as Mike Green, about three months ago. Authorities mentioned Greenberg is described as a private investigator based in Thailand. While Greenberg is not suspected of carrying out the crime, the police have alleged that he had some sort of involvement in the killing of Roman Novak and his wife.
Israeli linked to murder of Russian crypto holder and his wife
According to reports, Greenberg is under investigation for ties to eight individuals already arrested in connection with the case. Russian investigators reportedly found some crucial information on the suspects’ mobile phones that eventually led to their arrest in Dubai.
Roman Novak, the murdered Russian national, had allegedly raised $500 million through a fraudulent crypto application before going on the run. He had previously been convicted in 2020 in St. Petersburg for fraud linked to investment and crypto projects. Novak got a sentence of six years in prison. However, after his release in 2023, he moved abroad and reportedly carried on with his fraudulent activities.
Russian authorities noted that Novak and his wife were reported missing after their relatives were unable to contact them. Reports suggest that the couple’s driver last saw them on Oct 2 2025. He allegedly dropped them near a lake in the Hatta area close to the Oman border. The meeting was described as a meeting with potential investors. The duo was lured under the pretext of an investment meeting to a rented villa.
Wrench attacks reach a new high worldwide
The alleged offenders then attacked the couple as they failed to provide access to their crypto wallets. Investigators believe that the suspects discovered the wallet was empty, which led to the couple being allegedly killed and dismembered. Their remains were reportedly found on Oct 3. Russian and Emirati authorities are said to have traced the suspects’ movements using surveillance footage and phone signals.
They tracked them in Oman and later in South Africa before disappearing on Oct. 4. This massive case is unfolding at a time when the global crypto community is witnessing rising violence against crypto holders and builders. Law enforcement agencies across different countries have reported an increase in what they have now been describing as “wrench attacks.”
In May 2025, masked assailants attempted to abduct family members of the chief executive of Paris-based crypto exchange Paymium in broad daylight. Earlier in 2025, David Balland, co-founder of hardware wallet maker Ledger, was abducted in France. His partner also got captured in a ransom attempt involving crypto, but police managed to rescue the pair. Other incidents have been reported in France, Italy, and the United States.
The post Israeli arrested over murder of Russian crypto figure and his wife first appeared on Coinfea.