TLDR
- Ethereum developer “Fede’s Intern” detained in Turkey over alleged blockchain misuse.
- Turkish authorities have not defined “misuse” or confirmed formal charges.
- The developer denies allegations, says work is open and lawful infrastructure building.
- Case comes amid Turkey’s stricter digital asset regulations and enforcement actions.
An Ethereum developer known as “Fede’s Intern” has been detained in Turkey over claims of enabling misuse of the Ethereum blockchain. The detention has brought attention to the growing legal challenges faced by blockchain developers in different countries.
Turkish Authorities Detain Ethereum Developer Over Misuse Claims
According to statements made on X, Fede’s Intern was taken into custody in Turkey. Authorities informed his lawyer that potential charges could be filed against him. The specific actions described as “misuse” have not been publicly defined by Turkish officials.
The developer said that the interior minister accused him of helping others exploit Ethereum. He denied the accusations and stated that his work is fully open and lawful.
“We are just infra builders. Everything we do is in the open,” he wrote on X.
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
He described himself as an infrastructure builder working with companies in more than a dozen industries. He said his firms are based in Europe and have links to governments in multiple regions. He also said he has reached out to senior contacts in Europe, the United States, the UAE, and Asia for support.
Developer Denies Wrongdoing and Considers Moving Legal Defense Abroad
The developer stated he is willing to cooperate with Turkish authorities and any other government. He also said that discussions are underway about leaving Turkey to continue his legal defense in another country.
His team claims that no criminal activity has taken place. They argue that building and maintaining blockchain systems is not the same as enabling unlawful acts by others. Critics in the blockchain sector have expressed concern that vague charges could discourage open-source development.
So far, there has been no confirmation of formal charges from Turkish authorities. The lack of a public definition of “misuse” has led to questions about the nature of the case. Some observers believe that misunderstandings about blockchain infrastructure could be a factor in the allegations.
Case Sparks Discussion Amid Turkey’s Tightening Crypto Regulations
This case comes at a time when Turkey has tightened its regulation of digital assets. Recent measures include licensing requirements for exchanges and stronger controls against money laundering. Authorities have also announced enforcement actions in the sector.
The arrest has been compared to earlier cases involving international blockchain and cryptocurrency figures. Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, for example, was detained in Kenya in a separate matter involving circumstantial allegations. While the details differ, both cases show how blockchain work can be subject to legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions.
Some in the blockchain community say this case could be part of a wider enforcement sweep by Turkey’s interior ministry. Others suggest that translation errors or technical misunderstandings may have played a role. There is no official confirmation of either possibility at this stage.
The situation remains unresolved, and it is unclear whether charges will be formally brought. Fede’s Intern has said he will continue to defend his position while seeking support from international contacts. Turkish authorities have not provided further public statements on the matter.
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