Thodex Founder Faruk Fatih Ozer Found Dead in Turkish Prison While Serving 11,000-Year Sentence
Faruk Fatih Ozer, the founder and former CEO of failed Turkish crypto trade Thodex, has been discovered lifeless in his single-person cell on the Tekirdag F-Type High Security Closed Prison.
Key Takeaways:
- Thodex founder Faruk Fatih Ozer was discovered lifeless in his jail cell whereas serving an 11,196-year sentence.
- Ozer’s demise ends considered one of Türkiye’s largest crypto scandals, involving the lack of over ₺356 million ($12.5 million) in investor funds.
- Authorities have launched an investigation as his case continues to form Türkiye’s tightening stance on crypto regulation.
Authorities mentioned Ozer was found hanging in his lavatory throughout an inspection, with early studies pointing to suicide because the seemingly trigger, in response to a recent report by local news outlet Türkiye Today.
Thodex Founder Was Serving 11,196-Year Sentence
Ozer had been serving a historic sentence of 11,196 years, 10 months, and 15 days after being convicted of a number of prices, together with establishing and main a legal group, aggravated fraud, and cash laundering.
His siblings, Guven and Serap Ozer, have been convicted on related prices and acquired equivalent sentences.
The case stays considered one of Türkiye’s largest crypto-related fraud scandals.
Founded in 2017, Thodex as soon as ranked among the many nation’s main crypto exchanges earlier than abruptly halting operations in April 2021, citing a “non permanent suspension.”
Shortly after, Ozer fled to Albania, allegedly taking buyers’ funds with him.
He was arrested in Albania in August 2022 following a world manhunt and extradited to Türkiye in April 2023.
Prosecutors accused him of defrauding over 400,000 buyers, alleging that ₺253.7 million ($8.9 million) value of crypto property have been transferred to wallets managed by Ozer and his associates, together with accounts in Malta.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) reported that complete damages reached ₺356 million ($12.5 million). Thodex’s collapse triggered widespread outrage, marking a turning level for Türkiye’s crypto oversight and resulting in requires tighter regulation of the trade.
In the indictment ready by the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, authorities outlined how Thodex lured customers with promotions earlier than abruptly freezing withdrawals.
Twenty-one defendants have been tried in the case, seven of whom have been detained, whereas sixteen have been acquitted for lack of proof.
Ozer’s demise brings a grim finish to a saga that shook Türkiye’s crypto panorama and left hundreds of buyers with out recourse.
Officials have launched a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Turkey Tops MENA Crypto Market With $200B in Annual Transactions
As reported, Turkey has cemented its place as the largest cryptocurrency market in the Middle East and North Africa, recording almost $200 billion in annual transactions, in response to new information from Chainalysis.
The determine is roughly 4 instances that of the United Arab Emirates, which ranked second with $53 billion. Analysts say a lot of Turkey’s exercise stays pushed by short-term buying and selling somewhat than long-term adoption.
The Chainalysis 2025 Crypto Adoption Report highlights how crypto has develop into each a monetary refuge and a speculative outlet for Turks dealing with high inflation and a weakening lira.
Since 2021, Turkey’s complete inflows have exceeded $878 billion, making it one of many world’s most lively markets.
Despite this progress, retail participation is cooling, with small and enormous retail transactions declining barely as institutional buyers dominate.
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