Türkiye detains Richard Heart in Istanbul crypto operation

• Turkish authorities detained Richard James Schueler, known as Richard Heart, in Istanbul on 14 October 2026.
• Police also detained his wife and seized cash, jewellery, weapons and electronic equipment.
• Heart faces US Securities and Exchange Commission allegations involving unregistered crypto offerings and fraud.

Turkish authorities have detained Richard James Schueler, known as Richard Heart, in Istanbul over alleged offences, according to Turkish media reports published on Wednesday.

Police arrested Heart and his wife during an operation in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district on 14 October 2026.

Interpol had issued a Red Notice for Heart in connection with alleged offences, including tax fraud and assault.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission charged Heart in 2023 over alleged unregistered crypto asset securities offerings.

The SEC also accused Heart and PulseChain of misappropriating at least US$12 million in offering proceeds to buy luxury goods.

Police reportedly seized US$600,000, €2,600 and 50,000 Turkish lira, alongside gold jewellery, weapons and electronic equipment.

Authorities also confiscated computers, mobile phones, graphics cards and storage devices during searches of the Istanbul residence.

The detention adds a new development to the international proceedings surrounding Heart, while the allegations remain distinct from any finding of guilt.