ICRYPEX Chairman Arrested on Drug, Attempted Murder Charges Hampers Global Expansion

Gökalp İçer, chairman of the Istanbul-based cryptocurrency exchange ICRYPEX, was arrested on July 28, 2025, following allegations of supplying narcotics that hospitalized an individual identified as G.Ç. Turkish authorities charged him with "drug trafficking" and "attempted murder with probable intent," citing a report from Istanbul’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office [1]. The victim remains in critical condition, with investigations ongoing to establish the full context of the case. İçer’s arrest marks a high-profile legal challenge for ICRYPEX, a platform that has pursued global expansion, establishing branches in Dubai, London, and Toronto. The exchange had previously expressed ambitions to expand into Latin America and South Africa, but the detention of its founder is expected to complicate these plans [1].

The case has drawn attention to ICRYPEX’s broader ties to Turkish media and public figures. İçer’s platform has been linked to journalist Fatih Altaylı, a former TV host recently arrested for criticizing Turkey’s leadership. ICRYPEX reportedly sponsored Altaylı’s YouTube broadcasts, which led to his detention on June 21 after a video was interpreted as a "threat" to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Altaylı denied the charges, arguing that his remarks were a historical commentary on accountability and that the context had been manipulated by opponents. His arrest has sparked condemnation from colleagues, highlighting tensions between free speech and legal interpretations of criticism in Turkey [1].

The detention of İçer and the crackdown on crypto platforms in Turkey reflect a broader regulatory environment marked by volatility. In recent months, Turkey’s financial regulator has blocked dozens of unlicensed crypto services, signaling increased scrutiny of the sector. Analysts suggest that while the charges against İçer appear unrelated to ICRYPEX’s business operations, the incident could amplify concerns about transparency and governance in digital asset platforms [1]. The case also underscores the personal risks faced by high-profile entrepreneurs in rapidly evolving markets, where legal and public scrutiny often intersect.

ICRYPEX’s future remains uncertain as the investigation unfolds. The exchange has not publicly commented on the arrest, but the incident may indirectly affect investor confidence, particularly in a market already sensitive to regulatory shifts. The Turkish government’s balancing act between fostering fintech innovation and curbing illicit activities could see renewed debates over policy reforms, though no immediate market volatility has been reported [1].

Sources:

[1] [Icrypex Chairman Gokalp Icer Arrested in Istanbul on Drug, Attempted Murder Charges](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/icrypex-chairman-gokalp-icer-arrested-in-istanbul-on-drug-attempted-murder-charges-3204776)

[2] [Information about Halk TV](https://ground.news/interest/halktvcomtr)