Reports indicate that an Argentine Ethereum developer, known in online forums as “Fede’s Intern,” has been apprehended in Izmir. Turkish authorities allege his involvement in facilitating the “misuse” of the Ethereum network.
Fede vehemently denies any malfeasance, asserting that his focus lies in constructing blockchain infrastructure. On August 11, he divulged to his followers on X that his legal counsel had been informed of the allegations and expressed his intent to leave Turkey to contest the charges from abroad.
Industry Response to Detention
The case has elicited swift reactions from various sectors within the cryptocurrency community. Ryan Sean Adams characterized the situation as “very troubling,” while some community members noted the irony in discussions surrounding Istanbul as a potential venue for Devcon 2026.
I’m in Turkey, Izmir. They are telling my lawyer that I helped people to misuse @ethereum and I might have a charge. You can imagine what it means. It’s obviously wrong, we are just infra builders.
I can’t say much because I don’t have information and I don’t know if I will…
— Fede’s intern (@fede_intern) August 10, 2025
Others, including noted Turkish commentator Cenk, contended that there exists “zero legal basis” for detaining an individual based on such ambiguous allegations. The story has proliferated rapidly, with friends and colleagues reportedly making urgent calls on Fede’s behalf.
Ambiguous Allegations, Minimal Clarification
According to Fede, the crux of the allegations rests solely on the purported assistance he provided in misusing Ethereum; however, no formal charge sheet or legal parameters have been disclosed to the public.
He later noted that Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs had alluded to the claim, yet further specifics were not provided. Fede emphasized that “privacy is not a crime” and highlighted his entrepreneurial ventures across various sectors under a European holding company.
Ethereum developer being held in Turkey – “Ethereum misuse” being given to him as the reason. Still developing. Very troubling.
Wasn’t Istanbul a proposed location for DevCon 2026? @ethereum @tkstanczak @hwwonx https://t.co/Cw378ZqVEA
— RYAN SΞAN ADAMS – rsa.eth (@RyanSAdams) August 10, 2025
He also revealed his outreach to influential figures across more than ten countries, asserting that friends from Europe, the U.S., the UAE, and Asia were rallying for his cause. Reports indicate that he has been transferred to a private room, received food, and that arrangements for a private jet to transport him to Europe within hours were underway.
Turkey’s Increased Regulation of Cryptocurrency
The timing of this detention coincides with a period of intensified regulatory scrutiny in Turkey’s digital asset sector. Since March, the Capital Markets Board has enacted rules mandating platforms to maintain comprehensive transaction records and deliver monthly financial statements.
Source link: Mitrade.com.
