Hex founder Richard Heart was arrested last week in Istanbul, with Turkish authorities reporting the seizure of $7 million and a wide range of assets during the operation. Protos cited Turkish outlet TGRT Haber, which also published a censored image showing Heart partially naked in an armchair after the arrest.
Multi-agency operation in Istanbul
Heart, whose legal name is Richard James Schueler, was detained in an operation coordinated by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, known as MİT, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Financial Crimes Division, and Interpol.
According to the report, police carried out raids across 15 locations in Beşiktaş. Authorities said they seized six physical crypto wallets, 300 designer bags, 100 pieces of jewelry, four rifles, three pistols, and 1,400 rounds of ammunition, in addition to the reported $7 million.
Heart’s alleged wife, Alina Kara, and three bodyguards were also arrested.
Censored image published by TGRT Haber
Protos said it is unclear exactly when the image was taken. Based on Heart’s expression and the police reporting referenced in the article, the outlet said the photo appeared to have been captured during the raid itself.
Justice minister says proceedings are ongoing
Turkey’s Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on Saturday, 「Turkey will not be a refuge for transnational crimes and fugitive suspects!」 He added that judicial proceedings involving Heart are still underway.
Interpol notice and prior SEC case
Protos said an Interpol Red Notice requested by Finland was posted against Heart in December 2024 over alleged aggravated tax fraud involving hundreds of millions of euros in unpaid taxes.
The report also referred to a separate U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission case. In 2023, the SEC accused Heart of selling more than $1 billion in unregistered securities and misappropriating millions of dollars from his Hex, PulseChain, and PulseX crypto projects. That case was dropped in 2025 after the SEC failed to establish legal jurisdiction.
