14.10.2026 11:33
In a joint dawn operation conducted by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the Istanbul Police Department in Beşiktaş, Richard James Schueler, nicknamed "Whale James," who was wanted by INTERPOL with a red notice, was detained. During a search at the luxury address, $4 million in cash and 64 luxury watches were seized.
The National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the Istanbul Provincial Police Department carried out a massive joint operation targeting a major internationally wanted figure. Richard James Schueler, wanted by INTERPOL with a red notice and known in the crypto community by the nickname "Whale James", was detained in a raid carried out in Istanbul.
MİT teams tracked Schueler, who was accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of embezzling a massive $1.5 billion fund.
MİT LOCATED THE ADDRESS, SPECIAL OPERATIONS RAIDED AT DAWN
Having determined through intelligence work the luxury address in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district where Schueler was hiding, MİT reported the situation to the judicial authorities. Under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, MİT, the Financial Crimes Division, and INTERPOL units, the operation was launched on October 14, 2026.
In the dawn raid, which also included special operations police, Schueler was apprehended and detained.
A FORTUNE WAS FOUND IN HIS HOME: $4 MILLION AND 64 LUXURY WATCHES
The teams searching the address where the suspect was hiding encountered what amounted to a fortune. During the searches:
- $4 million in cash,
- 64 luxury watches in total, including 53 Rolex and 11 Patek Philippe,
- Numerous pieces of jewelry, firearms,
- Numerous computers, cryptocurrency mining devices, and electronic equipment were seized in a concealed state.
INTERNATIONAL FRAUD NETWORK UNCOVERED
In the investigation, it was determined that Schueler had established an Istanbul-based international fraud network. It was alleged that the suspect directed global-scale fraud activities through offices operating under him in the United States, Finland, and Spain.
While the examination of digital materials and electronic devices seized in the raid continues, the judicial process regarding Schueler in detention is ongoing.