Department of Justice receives Bitcoin fortune from imprisoned individual
Convicted Criminal Transfers €40 Million in Bitcoin to Czech State
Prague – A convicted criminal, Tomas Jiříkovský, has donated approximately €40 million in Bitcoin to the Czech Ministry of Justice, the department announced yesterday. The cryptocurrency, which was seized by police and later returned to Jiříkovský after his release from prison, was auctioned off, bringing in nearly CZK 1 billion.
The funds, intended for uses such as aiding crime victims and modernizing prisons, are now under scrutiny due to doubts concerning the transaction's legitimacy. According to the newspaper "Denik N," the police have launched an investigation, suspecting money laundering, or the legalization of funds derived from criminal activities.
Jiříkovský, who was sentenced in 2017 for embezzlement, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession, had previously operated an illegal darknet market for drugs and medication.
Justice Minister Pavel Blažek defended the donation, remarking, "Why should a convicted individual be prohibited from donating to the state, perhaps as a form of penance?" Despite the controversy, Blažek claimed ignorance about the illicit origins of the Bitcoin and highlighted his lack of personal relation with the donor. He stressed that he merely knows the donor's lawyer, much like many other lawyers.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining potential money laundering and the abuse of official authority, while police also investigate narcotics offenses related to the donation. The High Prosecutor's Office in Olomouc is leading the investigation, as Justice Minister Blažek tendered his resignation on May 30, 2025, over the controversy, despite denying any wrongdoing.
[1] - The Bitcoin was donated by Tomas Jiříkovský, a convicted criminal involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, embezzlement, and illegal arms possession.[2] - An ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine the potential connection between the Bitcoin donation and money laundering.[3] - Pavel Blažek, the Czech Justice Minister, resigned on May 30, 2025, amid the scandal, despite claiming innocence. The investigation involves possible money laundering, abuse of authority, and narcotics offenses.[4] - The donated funds were intended for the modernization of the justice system, the fight against drug use in prisons, and the support of crime victims.
(Source: dpa/mp)
[1] This Bitcoin donation, worth approximately €40 million, was transferred by Tomas Jiříkovský, a convicted criminal with a history of crimes such as drug trafficking, embezzlement, and illegal arms possession.
[2] The general-news and crime-and-justice sectors are showing a keen interest in the Bitcoin donation made by Jiříkovský, as authorities are investigating potential money laundering involving the cryptocurrency.
