Richard Heart arrested in Istanbul as Turkish authorities report $7 million seizure
Hex founder Richard Heart, whose legal name is Richard James Schueler, was arrested last week in Istanbul in an operation involving Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Financial Crimes Division, and Interpol, according to Protos and Turkish outlet TGRT Haber. Authorities said the raids covered 15 locations in Beşiktaş and led to the seizure of $7 million, six physical crypto wallets, 300 designer bags, 100 pieces of jewelry, four rifles, three pistols, and 1,400 rounds of ammunition. TGRT Haber also published a censored image showing Heart partially naked in an armchair, which Protos said appeared to have been taken during the police raid, though the exact timing was not confirmed. Heart’s alleged wife, Alina Kara, and three bodyguards were also arrested. Turkey’s Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said judicial proceedings are ongoing and stated that the country would not serve as a refuge for transnational crime suspects. The report also noted that Finland secured an Interpol Red Notice against Heart in December 2024 over alleged aggravated tax fraud, while a separate SEC case filed in 2023 was dropped in 2025 after the agency failed to establish jurisdiction.
