Ethereum dev arrested in Izmir on misuse claims, later freed as ETH price approaches new all-time high levels.
An Ethereum developer known as “Fede’s Intern” was detained in Turkey over accusations of helping others misuse the Ethereum network.
The developer was later released following intervention from contacts in multiple countries. The incident occurred as Ethereum’s price approached its previous all-time high.
Detention in Izmir and Allegations
As reported by LiveBitcoinNews, the developer, who works on zero-knowledge and Ethereum infrastructure projects, arrived in Izmir to meet with business partners and explore investment opportunities.
Upon arrival, police detained him at passport control and informed him he could not enter the country. He was told a case had been opened by Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs.
Fede’s Intern took to X stating that authorities told his lawyer he had helped others misuse Ethereum. He added that his team are infrastructure builders working transparently.
Moreover, he explained that the allegation was linked to a past academic paper and code, named Tutela, which demonstrated methods to deanonymize transactions in mixers such as Tornado Cash. He stated the research was published openly and was not intended for illicit use.
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
Police warned him that his phone could be confiscated due to being considered a security risk. He was moved to a private room and initially informed he could not communicate with others.
However, local contacts reached a Turkish attorney, and international associates from the UAE, UK, US, European Union, Argentina, and the Catholic Church contacted senior officials.
Release and Legal Steps
After several hours, the developer was allowed to leave Turkey and return to Europe. He reported that there had been moments where the situation appeared serious but said that international support was key to securing his release.
I’m finally out, safe and free. There was a small moment were things looked very bad but thanks to help from many I got released. Sorry if I didn’t answer every message. I was in calls non stop the last 24 hours with too many people and I only slept two hours.
Yesterday I landed… https://t.co/d54KXELtbC pic.twitter.com/z1c39K1yAS
— Fede’s intern
(@fede_intern) August 11, 2025
The developer described the incident as connected to previous inquiries he had received on the same day another Ethereum developer, Alexey Pertsev, was detained in relation to Tornado Cash. He emphasized that his team builds infrastructure and does not provide tools to enable unlawful actions.
A local Turkish lawyer is now preparing a defense, and the developer has said he is willing to return to Turkey to resolve the matter.
He also noted that his companies operate across more than a dozen industries, including cryptography, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and that recent months have brought smaller incidents affecting his work.
Ethereum Price Nears All-Time High Levels
The incident came as Ethereum’s market price showed strong momentum toward a new all-time high. Data from traders indicated that Ethereum recently reclaimed the $4,100 level, with growing demand from both retail and institutional buyers.
Market analysts observed large holdings among companies. Bitmine reportedly holds 1.2 million ETH valued at almost $5 billion. Moreover, SharpLink holds nearly 599,000 ETH, worth about $2.5 billion. Traders on social media expressed expectations that Ethereum could soon reach new price records.
Furthermore, analysts highlight that Ethereum had completed a breakout and retest phase. This suggests that the market was in a run-up phase toward price discovery. Speculation of an imminent new high was further supported by increased transaction activity and institutional accumulation.
Ethereum’s performance has drawn attention from across the cryptocurrency sector. This is particularly in Istanbul, which has been considered a potential host city for DevCon 2026.
The detention and release of a prominent developer in Turkey has added further discussion to the event’s planning and the broader environment for blockchain development in the country.
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