Richard Heart arrested in Turkey, embarrassing photo surfaces

Turkish news outlet TGRT Haber has published unflattering images of Hex founder Richard Heart, who appears partially unclothed in an armchair, as part of its coverage of a police operation that resulted in Heart's arrest and the seizure of $7 million.

Richard Heart, whose given name is Richard James Schueler, was taken into custody last week in Istanbul. The operation was coordinated by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MİT), the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Financial Crimes Division, and Interpol.

As part of raids across 15 sites in the Beşik area, police also confiscated six hardware crypto wallets, 300 luxury handbags, 100 pieces of jewelry, four rifles, three handguns, and 1,400 rounds of ammunition.

Alina Kara, reported to be Heart's wife, along with three bodyguards, was also detained.

The exact moment the compromising photograph was captured is unclear but from police accounts and Heart's startled expression, it appears to have been taken mid-raid.

Justice Minister Gürlek said on Saturday: “ and added that his judicial proceedings are still ongoing.” Altough the quote “Turkey will not be a refuge for transnational crimes and fugitive suspects!” Also remain quote exactly.

Also Gürlek’s post referred to this case, but the SEC dropped its case in 2025 after failing to establish legal jurisdiction.

Interpol and Finland seek Richard Heart

In December 2024, Interpol issued a Red Notice at its request for Heart over allegations of aggravated tax fraud involving hundreds of millions of euros in unpaid taxes.

The SEC charged Heart in 2023 with selling more than $1 billion in unregistered securities and misappropriating millions from its Hex PulseChain, and PulseX crypto projects.

Gürlek's post referred to that case, but the SEC abandoned its case in 2025 after failing to establish legal jurisdiction.