An Ethereum developer with the nickname "Fede's Intern" is reportedly detained in Izmir, Turkey.
The incident over the weekend has caused widespread concern, especially due to limited information and unclear allegations.
Ethereum Developer Held in Turkey for Mysterious 'Abuse' Allegations
According to posts on X (formerly Twitter), Fede's Intern stated that Turkish authorities accuse him of helping others abuse the Ethereum network.
"I am in Turkey, Izmir. They told my lawyer that I helped others abuse Ethereum, and I may be charged," the developer wrote.
Fede's Intern, an Argentine and well-known crypto researcher, denied any wrongdoing. He emphasized that he and his team are only "infrastructure builders" and are ready to cooperate with authorities.
In a subsequent statement, he revealed that the Turkish Minister of Interior made these allegations.
The vague nature of the "abuse" allegations has raised many questions in the crypto community. Cenk, a Turkish crypto commentator, noted that there is no "legal basis" for detention based on such allegations.
This skepticism stems from Turkey's application of existing commercial, consumer, and criminal regulations to crypto-related cases.
While in detention, Fede's Intern posted intermittent updates, indicating he was moved to a private room and served food.
He also mentioned arrangements for him to leave Turkey by private plane to Europe in the coming hours. Upon arriving in Europe, he will continue to fight the allegations with his legal team.
Messages from prominent figures in the Ethereum and Solana communities were reportedly supportive, with some offering legal connections.
Many called for transparency and due process, referencing the precedent of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's executive, who was arrested in Nigeria along with Nadeem Anjarwalla.
However, some expressed doubt, suggesting the incident might involve translation errors or misunderstandings about blockchain infrastructure. Others worried this could signal excessive regulatory intervention in the sector.
"Ethereum developer held in Turkey – 'abusing Ethereum' cited as reason. Still developing. Very concerning. Isn't Istanbul proposed for DevCon 2026?" Ryan Sean Adams, a prominent Ethereum supporter, pointed out.
The ongoing situation leaves many points unclear:
- Are the allegations specifically targeting Fede's Intern or a related entity?
- Is his detention connected to a broader arrest operation announced by the Turkish Ministry of Interior earlier this week?
- What specific actions are being classified as Ethereum "abuse"?
Fede's Intern stated that he will share more details after leaving Turkey and receiving approval from his legal team.
Currently, the situation remains fluid. The only certainty is that the intersection of blockchain technology, legal systems, and international jurisdictions can create rapidly evolving and risky scenarios — especially when allegations are as vague as "abusing Ethereum."
This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.
