Czech Officials Arrest Darknet Operator Over $45M Bitcoin Donation
Czech police have arrested Tomáš Jiřikovský,a former darknet marketplace operator,for allegedly donating $45 million in Bitcoin to the Ministry of Justice. His detention follows months of investigations into suspected money laundering and drug trafficking linked to the donation.
Authorities raided Jiřikovský’s home in Břeclav, capturing him after an attempt to flee. The probe centers on a 468 BTC donation said to be tied to his darknet activities. Prosecutors suspect Jiřikovský might have used Bitcoin earned illegally to influence the Czech government.
Jiřikovský gained notoriety for running Sheep Marketplace, a platform for selling drugs online. In 2013, he closed the site in what’s known as an “exit scam,” absconding with users’ funds. Sentenced to nine years in prison in 2017,he was released early for good behavior in 2021.
The donation surfaced during Czech national elections, causing a major scandal. It led to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in June, sparking further scrutiny. An audit revealed ministry officials had ignored red flags about the Bitcoin’s source, possibly violating anti-money laundering laws.
- Police arrested Tomáš Jiřikovský over a $45 million Bitcoin donation.
- Investigators believe the Bitcoin came from illegal darknet activities.
- The scandal prompted the resignation of the Justice Minister.
This case highlights the risks of accepting cryptocurrencies with murky origins, especially during election times. It underscores the challenges in regulating digital currencies and their potential misuse for political gain.
