Richard Schueler, known as Richard Heart, founder of Hex cryptocurrency, has been placed on Interpol’s wanted list at the request of Finnish authorities. He faces allegations of tax evasion and assault.
Tax Evasion and Assault Charges
Interpol issued a Red Notice at the request of Finnish authorities claiming that Richard Heart committed tax fraud and assault. The Red Notice is a formal request to international law enforcement to locate and provisionally arrest him pending extradition or other legal actions. Finnish authorities alleged that Heart failed to file business tax returns for several years and omitted income information in personal returns, resulting in avoided taxes valued in hundreds of millions of euros. He is also wanted in Finland for allegedly assaulting a minor.
Defense Amid Allegations
Heart has not directly responded to the Interpol Red Notice. However, a December post on X indirectly referenced the situation, challenging his 'haters' and highlighting his philanthropic efforts, claiming contributions of $27 million towards medical research and other projects, despite facing criticism.
Legal Issues with SEC
Apart from the Finnish charges, Heart is also involved in legal challenges with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 2023, the SEC sued him for unregistered securities sales and fraudulent activities. He allegedly promoted Hex as a 'blockchain certificate of deposit', promising high returns and attracting significant investments, following which the token's value dropped sharply. The SEC states he raised $354 million supposedly for PulseChain but allegedly used the funds for personal luxury.
Richard Heart faces serious charges both in Europe and the U.S. His cases are drawing public attention and continue to unfold amid ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
