Ethereum “Misuse” Lands Blockchain Dev in Turkish Detention, Here’s What We Know

Edyme

August 11, 2025

The developer, who describes themselves as an Argentinian focused on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology and Ethereum infrastructure

Ethereum “Misuse” Lands Blockchain Dev in Turkish Detention, Here’s What We Know

A self-identified blockchain developer, known online as “Fede’s intern,” has claimed on social media that they are currently being held in Turkey over accusations tied to Ethereum activity.

The developer, who describes themselves as an Argentinian focused on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology and Ethereum infrastructure, shared the updates on X, saying they are in Izmir and have been accused by Turkey’s Minister of Interior of helping others “misuse Ethereum.”

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

Claims of detention and ongoing legal process

According to posts made on August 10, 2025, the developer alleged that Turkish authorities confined them to a room and cited “Ethereum misuse” as the reason for their detention. “It’s obviously wrong, we are just infra builders,” the developer wrote, adding that they are willing to cooperate with officials.

So we now have more information. The minister of internal affairs of Turkey is saying I helped people misuse @ethereum. I’m fully open to cooperate with any authorities from Turkey or any country, we didn’t help anybody do anything, but we will also defend ourselves.
— Fede’s intern 🥊 (@fede_intern) August 10, 2025

The developer pretty much consistently shared updates on the matter on their X account including some humorous ones.

the english drunk guy took my water and i’m not gonna start a fight here 🤣
— Fede’s intern 🥊 (@fede_intern) August 10, 2025

In follow-up updates, they said they were receiving help from their legal team and were hopeful about leaving Turkey soon, possibly heading to Europe.

However, they indicated that more details about the case would only be shared after securing legal clearance. “I don’t know what the heck I win by inventing that this happened to me,” they added, responding to skeptics questioning the validity of the claims.

I understand that some people don’t believe it. That’s why I didn’t tweet before. I’m also waiting to share more information until I’m out of the country and our attorney gives me the green light. I don’t know what the heck I win by inventing that this happened to me. https://t.co/BYZ5QkG1PY
— Fede’s intern 🥊 (@fede_intern) August 10, 2025

Unclear charges and mixed reactions online

The specifics of the alleged “Ethereum misuse” have not been disclosed, leaving room for speculation. Some members of the crypto community have voiced doubts.

User “0xCenk” on X stated there was “zero legal basis” for such a detention, while others suggested the incident could highlight misunderstandings between blockchain development and regulatory frameworks.

Not sure if you’re intentionally misleading the CT crowd or it’s a lost in translation moment. There is zero legal basis for being detained on “helping people misuse Ethereum” as the country largely uses existing commercial code, consumer law and Penal code for crypto cases.
— Cenk (@0xCenk) August 10, 2025

“Fede’s intern” is reportedly associated with several blockchain-related ventures, including the investment firm Lambda Class and blockchain solutions company Aligned.

Legal experts note that while blockchain technology is legal in most countries, charges can arise if authorities suspect its use in unauthorized or illicit transactions.

Turkey has taken a firm stance on certain cryptocurrency-related activities in recent years, including restrictions on using crypto for payments. However, cases involving developers accused over blockchain infrastructure work are rare.

As of now, no official statement has been released by Turkish authorities regarding the incident, and the developer’s situation so far remains unresolved.