Bitcoin News Today: Czech police arrest darknet founder over $45M Bitcoin donation linked to justice minister's resignation

Czech police have taken into custody Tomas Jirikovsky, the founder of an illegal darknet marketplace, in connection with a $45 million Bitcoin donation that has been linked to the resignation of the country's former Justice Minister Pavel Blazek earlier this year [1]. The arrest occurred after authorities launched a criminal investigation into the transaction, which was reportedly made to avoid a new prison sentence for Jirikovsky, a convicted criminal with a history of cybercrime and drug trafficking.

According to Chief State Prosecutor Radim Dragoun, the case has been separated from joint proceedings for independent handling [1]. While official statements did not explicitly confirm the arrest, local media reported that Jirikovsky attempted to evade capture by climbing onto the roof of his residence during a police raid on Thursday night. His ex-wife confirmed the incident, stating that a neighbor had alerted her to the unfolding drama before police ultimately took Jirikovsky into custody.

Jirikovsky is the architect of the darknet marketplace Sheep Marketplace, which operated from 2013 to 2013 and was linked to the sale of drugs, counterfeit goods, and weapons [1]. The platform reportedly generated 680 BTC in revenue, and Jirikovsky further increased his Bitcoin holdings by allegedly stealing an additional 841 BTC from the platform’s users. Following his 2017 conviction for embezzlement, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession, he was released on parole in 2021 after serving half of a nine-year prison sentence.

The $45 million Bitcoin donation in question is tied to 468 BTC, which was linked to Nucleus, another darknet marketplace reportedly connected to Jirikovsky [1]. The donation, which emerged in the wake of a $77.5 million Bitcoin transaction traced to a Nucleus wallet in March 2025, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the transfer and its potential role in influencing government officials.

Lucien Bourdon, a Bitcoin analyst at Prague-based Trezor, noted that Jirikovsky’s case highlights the traceability of criminal Bitcoin activity on the blockchain [1]. He emphasized that while ordinary users may have privacy options, public officials and criminals face greater visibility when transacting in Bitcoin, especially when large amounts are involved. This visibility, Bourdon suggested, could serve as a model for greater financial accountability in traditional fiat systems.

The case has intensified scrutiny over the use of cryptocurrencies in illicit financial dealings, particularly within the public sector. Unlike traditional financial systems, Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous and decentralized, making it difficult to trace the true origin and destination of funds. The Czech Republic’s move to investigate and arrest individuals involved in this case signals a growing willingness among law enforcement to adapt to the complexities of digital currencies.

Czech authorities have not yet disclosed any formal links between Jirikovsky and the former justice minister or the ministry, nor have they detailed the alleged intent behind the donation. However, the scale of the case and the prominence of the individuals involved suggest a high-stakes investigation with potential legal and political consequences.

The global cryptocurrency community is also watching closely, as this case could influence future regulatory approaches and compliance measures. If the authorities succeed in tracing and recovering the funds, it may set a precedent for handling similar cases in jurisdictions where digital currencies are still viewed with caution.

Czech police have not announced when Jirikovsky will face formal charges or how the investigation will proceed. The arrest, however, represents a significant development in a case that underscores the increasing intersection of digital finance and traditional law enforcement [1].

Source: [1] JSTUSD - Czech police arrest darknet founder over $45M ... (https://mx.advfn.com/bolsa-de-valores/COIN/JSTUSD/crypto-news/96648629/czech-police-arrest-darknet-founder-over-45m-bitc)