Richard Heart, the founder of the cryptocurrency projects HEX and PulseChain, was reportedly detained in Istanbul in a joint operation by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and security forces. Following Heart’s detention, cryptocurrencies linked to him experienced sharp declines in value.
According to news reports in the Turkish press today, Heart was apprehended in an operation at his address in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. Initial reports stated that $4 million in cash, 64 luxury watches, and numerous electronic devices were seized during searches at the address. However, Demirören News Agency (DHA) reported that $600,000 and 24 watches were seized in the operation. Heart’s wife was also taken into custody as part of the operation.
Known for her luxurious lifestyle, Heart previously made headlines on social media for showcasing her collection of clothing and expensive watches from brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. In a video she shared in 2022, Heart claimed that the 32 watches in her collection were worth a total of $10 million.