Justice Minister Akın Gürlek spoke publicly about a security operation dubbed ‘Whale James’ that targeted alleged crypto fraudsters. He said the effort was carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office with police and intelligence support, and that Turkey would not tolerate becoming a refuge for fugitives.
The suspect identified by the minister is Richard James Schueler, a United States citizen known by the alias ‘Whale James’. He is described as being sought internationally for an alleged cryptocurrency‑asset fraud scheme that prosecutors claim involved one billion dollars in the United States and Finland.
According to the briefings, Schueler was the subject of an INTERPOL red notice issued at Finland’s request. This notice signals that he is wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence in connection with the alleged $1 billion crypto fraud.
The operation was directed by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The operation was directed by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Police units worked alongside the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) to execute the raids, reflecting a strong coordination between judicial, law‑enforcement and intelligence bodies as highlighted by the minister.
On 14 October 2026, security forces moved simultaneously on 15 separate addresses across the Istanbul districts of Beşiktaş, Üsküdar and Sarıyer.
During the raids, Richard James Schueler, his wife and three of his personal bodyguards were taken into custody. Authorities reported seizing the equivalent of 7 million 150 thousand United States dollars in cash and 160 thousand Turkish lira, together with six cryptocurrency cold wallets, numerous digital devices, jewellery, luxury items and weapons.
The minister reiterated that the fraud under investigation is said to have amounted to one billion dollars in crypto assets, a figure that underpins the INTERPOL red notice and the seriousness of the charges against Schueler.
Akın Gürlek concluded by stating that Turkey will not allow itself to become a safe haven for individuals who are the subject of international arrest warrants, emphasizing the country’s commitment to cooperate with global partners to prevent fugitives from evading justice.