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Richard James Schueler arrested in Istanbul for $1 billion crypto fraud
Turkish authorities have arrested Richard James Schueler, an American citizen wanted by INTERPOL via a red notice, in a major operation in Istanbul. Schueler is accused of orchestrating a $1 billion cryptocurrency fraud affecting the United States and Finland.
The operation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and supported by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and Istanbul Police, took place on October 14, 2026, in the Beşiktaş district. Schueler and his wife were detained, along with three additional individuals identified as his bodyguards.
Simultaneous searches were conducted at 15 addresses across the Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, and Sarıyer districts. Authorities seized $7,150,000 USD, 160,000 TL, six crypto cold wallets, and a vast array of luxury goods, including 300 designer bags, 100 pairs of shoes, 136 sunglasses, 28 watches, and 97 pieces of jewelry.
Digital evidence seized includes 29 mobile phones, 12 laptops, 11 computer towers, 19 SSDs/external hard drives, 46 USB drives, and 19 graphics cards. Additionally, police recovered four long-barreled rifles, three unlicensed pistols, and 1,400 rounds of ammunition. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek emphasized that Turkey will not serve as a sanctuary for international fugitives.
Entities
Akın Gürlek · Interpol · Istanbul · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Istanbul Police Department · Milli İstihbarat Teşkilatı · National Intelligence Organization · Richard James Schueler
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] Authorities seized 6 crypto cold wallets and various digital devices www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The operation was conducted with the support of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Searches at 15 addresses in Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, and Sarıyer yielded $7,150,000 USD and 160,000 TL www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Richard James Schueler is accused of a $1 billion crypto fraud in the US and Finland www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Turkish authorities arrested Schueler and his wife in Beşiktaş on October 14, 2026 www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] INTERPOL issued a red notice for Schueler www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Police seized 4 long-barreled rifles, 3 unlicensed pistols, and 1,400 rounds of ammunition www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] Three additional individuals identified as bodyguards were also detained www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.takvim.com.tr · ogunhaber.com · www.gazetebirlik.com · +9 more