Turkish crypto exchange founder sought with red notice detained in Albania

The founder of Turkish cryptocurrency exchange Thodex who fled Turkey with about $2 billion last year, has been detained in Albania. The Turkish Interior Ministry has launched the relevant procedures for Faruk Fatih Özer's extradition.

Duvar English

The founder of the Turkish cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, Faruk Fatih Özer, has been detained by the police in Albania.

Turkish Interior Ministry has launched the necessary procedures for Özer’s extradition, according to reporting by state-run Anadolu Agency.

Albanian Interior Minister Bledar Çuçi early on Aug. 30 told Turkish Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu that Özer was caught in the city of Vlora and that his identity was confirmed via biometric check, according to reporting by Demirören news agency.

Özer left Turkey for Albania with about $2 billion in 2021, leaving thousands of people frauded behind. 

Following Turkey's application, Interpol issued a red notice for Özer on April 23, 2021.

Özer is facing charges of aggravated fraud and forming a criminal organization.