Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Richard James Schueler, known in the cryptocurrency world as Richard Heart, the founder of HEX and PulseChain.
The notice, which is a formal request to member countries to apprehend a person wanted for a serious crime, was prompted by charges from Finland, where Schueler faces allegations of large-scale fraud and assault.
Schueler is accused of evading taxes, reportedly avoiding hundreds of millions of euros in tax payments by failing to file necessary returns and provide income details. Additionally, he faces a charge of assault related to an incident involving a 16-year-old, in which he allegedly physically attacked the teenager. Europol’s website, which lists Schueler among its most wanted individuals, includes these allegations as part of the ongoing investigation.
This development follows a series of legal challenges for Schueler, including a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly selling unregistered securities through his cryptocurrency ventures. The news of Schueler being added to Europol’s list was first reported in September, with the Red Notice likely being issued shortly after.
In response to these legal battles, Schueler posted a cryptic message on social media, alluding to the ongoing issues. He expressed confidence in his future, despite the legal scrutiny, and suggested that his cryptocurrency projects were thriving. Schueler also hinted at the potential political implications of his situation, mentioning the upcoming U.S. election and his belief in the success of his ventures, including PulseChain and HEX.
A major chapter in crypto’s legal reckoning closed this week as Alex Mashinsky, once a prominent name in digital lending, received a 12-year prison sentence.
Former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky is asking for a significantly reduced prison sentence ahead of his May 8 sentencing, with his legal team pushing back hard against the U.S. Department of Justice’s call for a 20-year term.
The legal battle against the creators of Samourai Wallet has taken a sharp turn, as defense attorneys accuse federal prosecutors of suppressing a key legal interpretation from the Treasury Department that could dismantle the core of the government’s case.
A decades-long Bitcoin holder has reportedly lost over $300 million in a devastating crypto theft — one of the largest in recent memory.