Richard James Schueler, better known in the cryptocurrency world as Richard Heart, is now one of the most wanted individuals on Europol’s radar.
Interpol recently issued a Red Notice for the Hex and PulseChain founder on behalf of Finland, where authorities allege he evaded hundreds of millions of euros in taxes and assaulted a 16-year-old in a violent altercation.
A Red Notice, essentially an international alert, signals to Interpol’s member countries that Schueler is subject to a valid arrest warrant. If apprehended abroad, extradition proceedings could follow swiftly. The charges against him are serious: Finnish authorities claim Schueler failed to file business tax returns over several years and omitted key income details on his personal filings. Meanwhile, Europol has detailed an incident where Schueler allegedly dragged a teenager by their hair, knocked them down, and punched them repeatedly in the head and face, leaving them injured and bleeding.
This isn’t Schueler’s first run-in with the law. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has accused him of selling unregistered securities tied to his crypto ventures, including Hex, PulseChain, and PulseX. These projects, often touted by Schueler as revolutionary, have faced skepticism for their lack of transparency and grandiose promises of extraordinary returns.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Schueler remains defiant. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he appeared to brush off the Red Notice, saying,
“It feels great to be wanted. Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.”
He also hinted at optimism regarding his ongoing SEC case and expressed hope for a political shift in the U.S., alluding to the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to office.
Schueler’s public persona has always been larger than life. Known for his flashy displays of wealth and grand declarations about his role in shaping the future of finance, he has cultivated a loyal following in the crypto space. Yet, these recent allegations—coupled with ongoing scrutiny from regulators—cast a shadow over his reputation.
This case underscores the increasing resolve of global authorities to hold prominent figures in the cryptocurrency world accountable. For an industry striving to shed its “Wild West” image, the charges against Schueler highlight the growing importance of compliance, transparency, and ethical practices.
For now, Schueler’s location remains unknown, leaving the outcome of his legal challenges uncertain. As regulators and law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on misconduct in the crypto sector, his case serves as a reminder of the fine line between innovation and legal accountability.
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