Roman's mother was raped and murdered, although Niko told Roman that she died in a house fire.
Vlad's death causes Roman to become paranoid because he fears retaliation from Faustin.
Roman eventually pulled Niko into the criminal underbelly of Liberty City by accident, causing a chain of events that would … He and Niko are later kidnapped on orders from Mikhail Faustin. Faustin shoots Roman in the stomach because he was screaming, but Roman survives. After arriving in Liberty City, Roman eventually saved up enough money, and bought two taxis, the cab depot, and eventually an apartment. Roman's father was an alcoholic, wife-beating bully. His fears proved to be well founded.