A major development has rocked the Turkish cryptocurrency world. The assets of one of the country’s most prominent trading platforms, ICRYPEX, along with those belonging to its owner Gökalp Içer, have been seized by authorities. The move comes as part of a wide-ranging investigation into serious allegations of money laundering and other criminal activities.
Authorities Launch Major Operation Against Crypto Exchange
ICRYPEX, a well-known name in cryptocurrency trading, is now under close scrutiny. The company, which was founded in 2018 and is based in Istanbul, offers services like buying, selling, and staking digital currencies. It claims to serve millions of users worldwide.
Before the investigation, ICRYPEX was widely seen as one of Turkey’s leading cryptocurrency platforms. It regularly promoted itself as a secure and transparent exchange, sponsoring events and sports teams to boost its public image.
But according to investigators, the platform may have also played a key role in helping criminal organizations move illegal money through the financial system.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office opened the case through its bureau focused on money laundering crimes. It alleges that Gökalp Içer and ICRYPEX converted proceeds from unlawful activities into foreign currency and cryptocurrency, effectively “cleaning” the money before introducing it into the financial system.
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A comprehensive report by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) outlined the suspicious financial activities. MASAK, which operates under Turkey’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance, is responsible for investigating money laundering and financial crimes. It tracks suspicious transactions and supports legal action against those attempting to move criminal funds through the financial system.
Based on this evidence, a criminal peace judge issued an order to seize all linked assets. These include bank accounts, digital funds, vehicles, properties, and even shares in other companies — all connected to ICRYPEX and Gökalp Içer.
Shocking Criminal Charges Behind the Arrest
Just before the seizure order was executed, Gökalp Içer, the founder and head of ICRYPEX, was taken into custody on entirely separate charges. Authorities say the arrest came after a disturbing incident involving an individual identified as G.Ç., who was hospitalized in intensive care following suspected drug use.
Investigators claim that Içer supplied the dangerous substance that put the victim’s life at risk. As a result, he is now facing severe accusations of “supplying narcotic or stimulant substances” and “attempting to murder with possible intent.” These charges have added a dramatic layer to the ongoing financial investigation and deepened the public’s concern over the platform’s leadership.
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These allegations are being handled alongside the financial crime probe and could influence the direction and outcome of legal proceedings.
Millions of Users Now in Uncertainty
With ICRYPEX under investigation and its assets frozen, millions of users who trusted the platform are left in a state of confusion and concern. Many had used ICRYPEX to trade or stake digital currencies, and now face questions about the safety of their funds and the future of the service.
No official statement has yet been made about how the investigation will impact user access, transactions, or customer balances. However, the freezing of all major assets tied to ICRYPEX and Gökalp Içer indicates that the company’s operations will remain under strict oversight for the time being.
MASAK is continuing to examine whether the platform knowingly aided criminal money laundering or was exploited by outside groups. The full scale of the financial transactions and foreign transfers is still being reviewed.
For now, the company, its users, and the Turkish crypto market await further developments as this high-profile case continues to unfold.