Turkish Authorities Arrest Ethereum Dev for Alleged Network Misuse

An Ethereum developer known as “Fede's Intern” is being held in Izmir, Turkey, after authorities accused him of helping others “misuse” the Ethereum network. The developer denies the charges and plans to contest them from Europe.

The Argentinian developer, who works on ZK and Ethereum infrastructure, announced his detention on August 11, 2025, via X. Turkey's Interior Minister accused him of facilitating misuse of Ethereum, though specific details about the allegations remain unclear. No formal charges or legal documentation have been made public.

“It's obviously wrong, we are just infra builders,” the developer wrote after authorities relayed accusations to his lawyer. He described himself and his team as blockchain infrastructure builders and expressed a willingness to cooperate with authorities.

The developer reported being held in a private room, receiving legal assistance, and getting meals during detention. He reached out to contacts in over ten countries, including Europe, the United States, the UAE, and Asia, to help resolve the situation. He said he hopes to leave for Europe soon.

The detention happens as Turkey tightens crypto regulations. In March, the Capital Markets Board introduced strict licensing and record-keeping rules for crypto platforms. June brought additional restrictions, including transaction caps and the requirement for explanations for large transfers. By July, authorities blocked access to decentralized exchanges like PancakeSwap.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between blockchain development and evolving regulatory frameworks. While the developer maintains his innocence and describes his work as legitimate infrastructure building, Turkish authorities appear to be taking a stricter approach to crypto-related activities.

The situation remains developing, with the developer's legal team working to resolve the matter and secure his release.