Crypto Executive Arrested in Istanbul With Millions and Guns
Turkish intelligence officers and police detained HEX founder Richard Heart in Istanbul on Wednesday, native media reported. He has been wished below an Interpol Red Notice, a worldwide request to arrest somebody pending extradition, since December 2024.
Neither Turkish nor Finnish authorities have publicly confirmed the arrest. Reports additionally disagree on what officers discovered inside his house.
What Did Police Reportedly Find in Richard Heart’s Home?
Heart, whose authorized title is Richard James Schueler, created HEX and PulseChain, crypto tokens he promoted closely on-line.
Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Istanbul police tracked him to a house in the Beşiktaş district, Daily Sabah reported. His spouse was additionally taken into custody.
Citing Ihlas News Agency, the outlet listed telephones, laptops, graphics playing cards, rifles, pistols, two drones, gold bracelets, and money in a number of currencies among the many seized objects.
The quantities range sharply by outlet. Sabah reported 53 Rolex and 11 Patek Philippe watches, plus about $4 million in vacuum-sealed money.
In distinction, Euronews Türkçe counted 24 watches, $600,000, €2,600, 50,000 Turkish lira, and 1,360 rounds of ammunition.
Why Does Finland Want Him Back?
Finnish police suspect Heart of evading a number of hundred million euros in taxes between June 2020 and April 2024, broadcaster Yle reported. He was remanded in absentia in September 2024.
Europe’s most-wanted list additionally accuses him of punching a 16-year-old in the face and head. Both stay allegations, and he has not been convicted.
In 2023, the SEC individually accused him of elevating over $1 billion by unregistered token gross sales.
However, a US choose threw out that case in 2025, ruling his advertising and marketing didn’t particularly goal Americans. It was an SEC lawsuit win for Heart.
The Finnish probe is prison, not civil. Interpol flagged Heart as wanted at Finland’s request.
Meanwhile, PulseChain (PLS) fell 44% over the previous 24 hours, whereas HEX (HEX) rose 3.9%, BeInCrypto information reveals.
Whether Heart faces these Finnish allegations in particular person now depends upon extradition. Sabah reported a switch is into account, although no formal request has been made public.
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