Richard Heart Detained in Istanbul Following International Manhunt

The arrest follows a long-standing international investigation, primarily driven by Finnish authorities who issued an Interpol Red Notice for Heart. Finnish police have been examining allegations of aggravated tax fraud, suggesting that Heart failed to declare substantial income from his cryptocurrency ventures during his residency in Helsinki between 2020 and 2024. Beyond the tax investigation, Heart has faced accusations of assault involving a minor, claims that have circulated within European legal channels.

While the Turkish operation involved significant asset seizures—including electronics, jewelry, and firearms—local authorities have yet to issue a formal criminal indictment. The status of a potential extradition to Finland remains unclear, as no official court order confirming his continued detention has been released by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Following the reports, tokens associated with Heart’s ecosystem saw immediate volatility, with HEX and PulseChain experiencing double-digit percentage drops in market value.

This development marks the latest chapter in Heart's complex legal history. In early 2025, a U.S. federal judge dismissed a civil lawsuit brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which had accused him of conducting unregistered securities offerings exceeding $1 billion. Although he avoided a judgment in the American courts, the pending European investigations represent a significant shift in his legal exposure. As of now, the seized property remains under examination, and investors continue to react to the uncertainty surrounding the founder's immediate future.