According to reports, an Argentine Ethereum developer known online as “Fede’s Intern” was detained in Izmir after Turkish authorities said he helped people “misuse” the Ethereum network.
He denies any wrongdoing and says his work is focused on building blockchain infrastructure. On Aug. 11 he told followers on X that authorities had informed his lawyer of the allegation and that he planned to leave Turkey to fight the charge from abroad.
Detention Draws Industry Reaction
Based on reports, the case stirred quick reactions across crypto circles. Ryan Sean Adams called the situation “very troubling,” and some community members pointed out the irony that Istanbul had been discussed as a possible host city 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 Turkish commentator Cenk, argued there was “zero legal basis” for detaining someone on such a vague claim. The story has spread fast. Friends and colleagues are reportedly making calls on his behalf.
Vague Charge, Few Details
According to Fede, the allegation centers only on the idea that he helped people misuse Ethereum, but no formal charge sheet or legal provision has been made public.
He later said Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs had mentioned the claim, but no further details were offered. Fede wrote that “privacy is not a crime” and emphasized that he runs businesses in more than a dozen industries 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
— RYAN SΞAN ADAMS – rsa.eth 🦄 (@RyanSAdams) August 10, 2025
He also said he had contacted top people from more than 10 countries and that friends across Europe, the US, the UAE, and Asia were calling on his behalf. He reported being moved to a private room, served food, and that arrangements were being made for a private jet to take him to Europe within hours.
Turkey Tightens Rules On Crypto
The timing of the detention comes as Turkish regulators tighten oversight of the digital-asset sector. Since March, the Capital Markets Board has issued rules that force platforms to keep detailed transaction records and issue monthly statements.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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