Crypto Mogul Faces Life Sentence After Cocaine Death Case Shakes Istanbul

The investigation into the death of young lawyer Göksu Çelebi has concluded with charges that could result in life imprisonment for Gökalp İçer, founder and Chairman of ICRYPEX. Prosecutors allege that a sequence of events involving drug procurement, prolonged substance use, and delayed medical response culminated in Çelebi’s death, sparking nationwide attention and legal debate.

According to the completed indictment, the two met through the professional networking platform LinkedIn and later agreed to meet in person. Prosecutors state that İçer purchased approximately eight grams of cocaine for 800 dollars, which he and Çelebi allegedly consumed together over two consecutive days. The case has been framed not as an accidental overdose alone, but as a situation in which foreseeable lethal risk was ignored.

Timeline of Events Leading to Death

On July 14, prosecutors say, Çelebi began showing alarming symptoms after consuming cocaine for the last time around 8:00 p.m. Witness accounts in the indictment describe escalating tremors and physical distress. As her condition worsened, İçer called emergency services. Çelebi was transported by ambulance to Çayırbaşı Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, where she was briefly treated before leaving with her family.

Her health continued to deteriorate. The following day, she was admitted to Atakent Acıbadem Hospital, where she remained in intensive care. Despite medical intervention, Çelebi died four days later. Her death transformed the incident from a drug-related emergency into a full-scale criminal investigation.

Charges That Carry Life Imprisonment

The indictment prepared by the İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı accuses İçer of two major crimes: “supplying or trafficking narcotic or stimulant substances” and “killing with possible intent against a woman.” Prosecutors argue that cocaine is widely known to carry fatal risk even in single doses, and that İçer proceeded despite this knowledge.

In legal terms, “possible intent” suggests that although İçer may not have directly aimed to kill, he foresaw the possibility of death and accepted that risk. Based on this interpretation, prosecutors are seeking an aggravated life sentence.

Artificial Intelligence Searches Raise New Questions

One of the most striking elements of the indictment involves İçer’s alleged online activity during the crisis. Records indicate that on the day of the incident, he asked an artificial intelligence application questions such as: “What happens if pulse drops to 22?”, “High-dose cocaine overdose,” “What damage occurs if the pulse stops for 15 minutes?”, and “Is recovery possible from a coma after a cocaine crisis?”

Prosecutors interpret these searches as evidence that İçer was aware of the severity of Çelebi’s condition and the potentially fatal consequences of cocaine use, reinforcing claims of possible intent.

Hospital Negligence Claims Enter the File

Lawyers representing the victim’s family submitted petitions alleging serious medical negligence at Hamidiye Etfal Hospital. These claims include failure to properly document injuries, refusal to share forensic case reports, absence of blood or urine toxicology tests despite suspected overdose, and alleged manipulation of electronic health records within the e-Nabız system.

While these allegations have intensified public scrutiny of emergency medical procedures, prosecutors emphasized that potential hospital negligence does not negate the criminal responsibility attributed to İçer in facilitating drug use.

Forensic Report Confirms Cause of Death

The Adli Tıp Kurumu 1st Specialization Board issued a decisive report on December 1. The findings stated that there was no medical evidence of death due to traumatic injury. Toxicology results confirmed the presence of cocaine in the blood, and the official cause of death was listed as stimulant substance poisoning.

This forensic conclusion effectively ruled out alternative explanations and became a cornerstone of the prosecution’s argument.

Conflicting Statements and Financial Evidence

Investigators also highlighted inconsistencies between İçer’s statements and physical evidence. İçer claimed that Çelebi paid for part of the cocaine. However, items recovered from her at the hospital included Turkish lira, a mobile phone, bank cards, and personal belongings—no foreign currency was found.

The indictment states that given İçer’s financial status and travel history, requesting or accepting money from Çelebi for drugs was “contrary to the ordinary course of life.” Prosecutors described his claims as “statements aimed at evading criminal responsibility.”

A Case That Extends Beyond One Tragedy

The indictment concludes by asserting that İçer knowingly supplied a lethal substance to someone with no known prior drug history, provided a location for its use, and continued despite visible signs of medical distress. From the prosecution’s perspective, these actions collectively constitute both drug trafficking and killing with possible intent.