06.02.2026 13:31
A notable development occurred today following the discovery of Faruk Fatih Özer, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, found dead in prison. Within the scope of the case, two defendants who were imprisoned for crimes such as "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime" appeared before the judge. While a release decision was made for the defendants, there are no longer any detained defendants in the Thodex case.
Faruk Fatih Özer, who was sentenced to 11,196 years in prison for allegedly defrauding thousands of people through the cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, was found dead in his single cell at Tekirdağ F-Type High Security Closed Prison.
A STRIKING DEVELOPMENT OCCURRED
While Özer's death in prison caused a significant public outcry, a critical development occurred today in the Thodex case.
2 DEFENDANTS APPEARED BEFORE THE JUDGE
Two defendants, who are held in prison for crimes such as "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime," "fraud by using information systems of banks or credit institutions as a tool," and "money laundering of assets derived from fraud by merchants or company executives and cooperative managers," appeared before the judge.
NO DETAINED DEFENDANTS LEFT IN THE CASE
During the hearing attended by some members of Faruk Fatih Özer's family, a release decision was made for the two defendants, and there were no detained defendants left in the Thodex case involving 21 defendants, including Özer.
WHAT HAD HAPPENED?
In the indictment prepared by the Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that the company named "Thodex" was established by Faruk Fatih Özer with a capital of 400,000 lira, and it was recorded that this platform deceived the complainants with fraudulent behaviors regarding their business and transactions.
For the 21 defendants, including Faruk Fatih Özer, prison sentences ranging from 12,164 to 40,562 years were requested for crimes such as "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime," "fraud by using information systems of banks or credit institutions as a tool," and "money laundering of assets derived from fraud by merchants or company executives and cooperative managers."
HE WAS CAPTURED IN ALBANIA
Faruk Fatih Özer, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, who was wanted as a fugitive defendant in the case, was captured in Albania on August 30, 2022. After the extradition decision of the Durrës Appeals Court in Albania, Özer was brought back to the country on April 20, 2023, and was arrested by the duty judge at the Anadolu Justice Palace on April 23.
11,190 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS IN PRISON
The Anadolu 9th High Criminal Court, which concluded the case on September 7, 2023, sentenced Özer to 11,190 years and 6 months in prison for "establishing, managing, and being a member of an organization," "qualified fraud," and "money laundering." After the decision, the case was appealed to the Istanbul Regional Court of Appeals.
The 22nd Criminal Chamber, which reviewed the case, overturned the local court's ruling and ordered the release of Faruk Fatih Özer for the crime of "establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime." However, it was decided to continue his detention for the other charges. The case, which was sent back to the local court, was reopened for the trial of the 21 defendants, including Özer.