Law enforcement in the Czech Republic has taken into custody Tomáš Jiřikovský, a convicted drug trafficker who was behind a massive bitcoin donation to the country's Ministry of Justice, thereby escalating a scandal that has led to the resignation of a cabinet minister. According to a report from the Czech news outlet Echo24, the National Centre for the Fight Against Organised Crime has intervened in the case, securing key evidence and individuals. The investigation now focuses on suspected money laundering and illicit drug activities, which are being probed separately from a broader inquiry into abuse of power. Jiřikovský has a history of criminal activity, having been convicted and served time for operating a darknet drug marketplace known as Sheep Marketplace.
His arrest came as a result of a police raid on a residence in Břeclav where he was residing. The controversy surrounding the bitcoin donation has had significant implications for the administration of Prime Minister Petr Fiala, particularly in the lead-up to the country's elections. The government managed to survive a vote of no confidence initiated by the opposition party ANO. The fallout from the scandal led to the resignation of former Justice Minister Pavel Blažek, who had accepted a donation of 468 BTC that was later sold for approximately 1 billion Czech koruna, equivalent to around $45 million.
His successor, Eva Decroix, commissioned an independent audit by Grant Thornton, which concluded in July that the ministry should not have accepted the bitcoin donation, as it likely originated from illicit activities and could potentially constitute a criminal offense.