Interpol wanted crypto fugitive Richard James Schueler, also known as Richard Heart, was arrested in Istanbul on October 14, 2026. Turkish authorities detained him alongside his wife, A.K., after surveillance in the Beşiktaş district. The operation combined technical and physical monitoring, with support from the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the Istanbul Police Department. Police placed Schueler under watch at an address in Beşiktaş before moving in on Wednesday morning. Ihlas News Agency reported that officers took Schueler into custody after locating him in the city. The Istanbul Police Department’s Intelligence Branch and Anti-Financial Crimes Branch carried out the work with MIT support as part of efforts to apprehend internationally wanted suspects. Searches at the property recovered a dozen mobile phones, several laptops and graphics cards. Authorities also seized rifles, pistols, two drones, gold bracelets, and cash in several currencies, amounting to a large sum. Interpol issued the Red Notice in 2024 at Finland’s request, linking Schueler to allegations of high-value cryptocurrency fraud. The notice is said to involve tax fraud and assault. The SEC charged Schueler in 2023 over unregistered crypto asset securities offerings. The case named Hex, PulseChain and PulseX, three unincorporated entities under his control, and alleged the offerings raised more than $1 billion in crypto assets from investors. In a statement dated July 31, 2023, the SEC accused Heart and PulseChain of fraud involving the misappropriation of at least $12 million in offering proceeds. Schueler was arrested and is in custody following the Istanbul operation.