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The global cryptocurrency community has been unsettled in recent weeks, following a series of sudden and unresolved deaths involving high-profile crypto figures. Within one month, two Russian and one Ukrainian crypto billionaires died under unclear circumstances abroad, while in Türkiye, the founder of one of the country’s most controversial crypto exchanges died by suicide in prison.
These incidents, though unrelated in their official narratives, have drawn renewed attention to the extreme financial stakes, personal risks, and security vulnerabilities associated with high-value digital assets and crypto investment networks.
The first death occurred in Ukraine. On October 11, Ukrainian crypto billionaire Konstantin Galish was found lifeless inside his Lamborghini. Known for his luxury lifestyle and strong presence in cryptocurrency circles, Galish was believed to have died by suicide, according to initial police findings.
Authorities in Ukraine have launched a broader investigation, and further forensic examinations are ongoing.
In Türkiye, the death of a prominent crypto figure took place in custody. Fatih Ozer, the founder of Thodex, one of Türkiye’s most widely discussed cryptocurrency exchanges, had been convicted on charges of large-scale fraud after thousands of investors were reported to have lost substantial savings.
Ozer was extradited from Albania and sentenced by Anadolu 9th High Criminal Court to 11,190 years and 6 months in prison. While serving his sentence in Tekirdag Prison, Ozer was found dead in his cell on November 1, reportedly having taken his own life.
In the United Arab Emirates, Russian crypto investor Roman Novak and his wife Anna were found dead in the villa they had rented. Investigators determined that the couple had been kidnapped by individuals attempting to access their crypto wallets, which were believed to contain holdings valued in the billions of dollars.
Authorities stated that eight suspects were detained. According to the early findings, when the kidnappers failed to obtain the expected digital assets, the couple was killed.
The most recent incident was reported in Russia. Crypto millionaire Alexei Dolgikh died in a high-speed car crash in Moscow on 9 November. Driving a Lamborghini Urus, Dolgikh is believed to have lost control of the vehicle before it struck a barrier, overturned, and caught fire.
Emergency responders reported that two of the four passengers in the vehicle died at the scene, while two others were taken to hospital with severe injuries. Moscow police initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, and an autopsy will clarify Dolgikh’s cause of death.
Authorities in every case maintain that investigations remain open. While several of the deaths are being treated as accidents or suicides, the financial and digital nature of crypto holdings continues to raise questions about motives, vulnerabilities, and potential targeted criminal activity.
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