🕵️♂️ Joshua Cartu: From Racing to Fugitive
Who Is Joshua Cartu?
Joshua “Josh” Cartu is a Canadian-Israeli racecar driver and flamboyant social media figure, widely known for flaunting a high-rolling lifestyle. Behind the luxury jets and supercars, however, lies a dark legal saga involving massive financial fraud.
🧾 Accusation & Arrest
In August 2024, Cartu was detained at St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport in Russia under a U.S. arrest warrant issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). He is accused of orchestrating a massive binary options fraud between 2013 and 2018, defrauding investors of over $200 million.
💸 The Fraud Scheme
Together with his brothers, David and Jonathan Cartu, he allegedly ran fraudulent platforms like BeeOptions, Glenridge Capital, and Rumelia Capital. These entities promised sky-high returns (60–85%) while manipulating trades, hiding real identities, and funneling $51 million from U.S. victims and $233 million globally, according to the CFTC and the Ontario Securities Commission.
⚖️ Legal Status & Extradition
While Russia extended his detention, it does not have an extradition treaty with the U.S., complicating prosecution. Israeli and Canadian embassies are providing consular support. Regulators across multiple countries continue legal and financial actions against Cartu and his companies.
🌍 Profile & Impact
A former Playtech associate, Cartu transitioned into binary options before facing global regulatory scrutiny. His arrest reignited concerns about Israeli-run scams operating from Cyprus, Israel, and offshore jurisdictions.
🕵️♂️ Yossi Herzog: Mastermind Behind Binary Options Fraud
Who Is Yossi Herzog?
Yossi (Yosef) Herzog is the former owner of Yukom Communications, a key player in the binary options industry. His companies, including BigOption, BinaryBook, and BinaryOnline, scammed thousands of victims across the globe.
💰 Scale of the Fraud
Between 2014 and 2017, Herzog allegedly ran a large-scale, multi-million-dollar fraud targeting retail investors. Many victims were tricked into depositing funds they could never withdraw. The estimated damages range from $100 million to $148 million.
⚖️ Legal Actions
Herzog was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in 2019 for wire fraud and conspiracy. A parallel CFTC civil case accused him of rake-offs, manipulation, and obstructing investor withdrawals. Several co-defendants, such as Yakov “Kobi” Cohen, have already been convicted and fined millions.
🔎 Current Status
Herzog remains at large and is wanted by U.S. authorities. While no Interpol Red Notice has been issued yet, he is under investigation across Europe. He has been linked to Odessa, Ukraine, but his exact location is unknown.
🌐 Broader Impact
Herzog’s scheme spanned multiple countries, highlighting gaps in international regulation. His operation used shell companies in Israel, Cyprus, Mauritius, and other offshore jurisdictions to bypass oversight and escape justice.
🕵️♂️ Richard James Schueler (aka Richard Heart)
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Nationality: American
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Date of Birth: October 9, 1979
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Known As: Richard Heart
💼 Criminal Allegations
Financial Fraud & Tax Evasion
Schueler is accused of multi-million euro tax fraud in Germany and Finland, allegedly concealing assets and income from authorities.
Sexual Assault of a Minor
He is also wanted by Finnish police for the violent sexual assault of a 16-year-old, involving physical violence and serious injury.
🚨 Red Notice & Europol
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Featured on Europol’s Most Wanted List
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Subject to an active Interpol Red Notice for arrest and extradition.
🪙 Cryptocurrency Ties
Schueler is the founder of HEX, a controversial cryptocurrency project.
The U.S. SEC has charged him with unregistered securities offerings worth over $1 billion. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
🧭 Current Status
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Last Known Location: Helsinki, Finland
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Fugitive: Actively sought; location unknown
He remains a fugitive from justice with multiple international law enforcement agencies pursuing him.
🕵️♂️ Michael Zetser: Charged in €17 Million Financial Crime
Who Is Michael Zetser?
Michael Zetser is an Israeli national charged with financial crimes in Luxembourg and is the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice. He is at the center of a complex international €17 million fraud and money laundering investigation.
💸 The Charges
Zetser is accused of running an illegal payment processing scheme through unlicensed fintech platforms, shell companies, and offshore accounts. Luxembourg prosecutors claim he laundered funds through fraudulent investment websites and high-risk transactions.
🏦 Ties to Payment Processors
Authorities link Zetser to offshore brands like Finera, Gumballpay, and other Cyprus/Israel-based firms used to obscure high-risk payments tied to binary options and forex scams.
🚨 Flight & Red Notice
After the warrant was issued, Zetser fled Luxembourg. His current location is unknown, though reports suggest he may be using a false identity in a non-extradition country. INTERPOL has urged international enforcement to detain him upon discovery.
🔍 Ongoing Investigation
Luxembourg’s financial intelligence unit and European AML authorities continue to investigate Zetser’s network. Millions in assets have already been frozen, and several associated shell firms are under legal review.
🌐 Public Concern
This case highlights growing concerns over regulatory failures in controlling cross-border financial crime, especially through emerging fintech tools. Luxembourg has declared the case a priority due to its international scope and severity.