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Richard Heart (born Richard James Schueler) is an American cryptocurrency founder, alleged fraudster and convicted spammer. [1][2] Going by an alias, Heart created the HEX cryptocurrency in 2019. [3] He later created three more cryptocurrencies: PulseChain and PulseX, forks of Ethereum and Uniswap, respectively, and the INC token. [4][5] Heart's whereabouts are unknown, though he is currently believed to reside in Helsinki, Finland. [6]
Richard Heart was born on October 9, 1979, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[7]
Heart's career began with the Florida home-based car audio system business, Audio Ecstasy, Inc,[8] Heart later founded a marketing business that pioneered early internet spam marketing techniques, and in 2002 incurred a default judgement and fines from a court in Washington, US. [9] He later expanded his business operations to Panama but eventually returned to the U.S. after facing legal issues related to his business dealings there. [10][better source needed]
On December 2nd 2019, Heart launched the cryptocurrency HEX, which bills itself as the first blockchain certificate of deposit (CD). [11]
He later created PulseChain and PulseX. PulseChain, a fork of Ethereum, received funds from over 40,000 cryptocurrency wallets.[12] PulseX, a fork of decentralized exchange Uniswap, was also launched under the PulseChain ecosystem. According to filings made by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, collectively the two projects raised more than $1 billion in financing.[13]
In 2023, The Highest of Stakes,[14] a movie about Heart and HEX was released in cinemas in the USA and the U.K. It was later made available on AppleTV [15], Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and many other outlets.[16]
The Highest of Stakes has received overwhelming reviews for its comprehensive coverage and unbiased storytelling. Critics have likened it to the "Tiger King of crypto," with its enthralling narrative captivating viewers. The film's ability to present a balanced view, allowing audiences to form their own opinions, has been particularly appreciated.[17]
Heart created an initiative where donors to the SENS Research Foundation would receive cryptocurrency. Over $25 million was raised over 5 days.[18][19]
On July 31, 2023,[20] the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Heart with defrauding investors out of $12.1 million[21] and illegally raising more than $1 billion in unregistered cryptocurrency offerings to finance personal luxury goods purchases, including a 555.55-carat black diamond,[20] The Enigma, for $4.3 million in cryptocurrency, renaming it the "HEX.com diamond".[22][23]