Bitcoin News Today: Czech Drug Trafficker Linked to $45M Bitcoin Donation Arrested

Czech police have arrested Tomas Jirikovsky, a convicted drug trafficker, in connection with a $45 million Bitcoin donation to the country’s Ministry of Justice, a transaction that has since triggered a major political scandal. Jirikovsky, who previously served prison time for drug trafficking and operating on the darknet, was detained at a property in Breclav following raids conducted by the National Centre for Combating Organised Crime. The operation, part of an ongoing investigation by the High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Olomouc, focuses on allegations of money laundering and further drug trafficking activities [1].

The donation—468 Bitcoin, valued at $45 million—was accepted by former Justice Minister Pavel Blazek in early 2025 without any verification of its source. Blazek resigned in May after it was revealed that the cryptocurrency originated from Jirikovsky. An internal audit led by Blazek’s successor, Justice Minister Eva Decroix, concluded that the donation should never have been accepted due to the high risk that it constituted proceeds of crime [1]. Decroix has since announced plans to release a detailed timeline of the case, containing over 8,000 entries, ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections in October [1].

The scandal has had far-reaching political consequences. In June, Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s center-right coalition narrowly survived a no-confidence vote, with 98 lawmakers supporting the government and 94 voting for its removal. The opposition ANO party has continued to demand resignations, including that of Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura. Prosecutors have not disclosed additional details about the raids, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation [1].

The case has drawn attention to the challenges of regulating cryptocurrency, particularly when dealing with transactions from individuals with criminal backgrounds. The donation raises questions about the adequacy of due diligence procedures in government agencies and the potential vulnerabilities associated with accepting digital assets without proper verification [1]. As the investigation continues, the arrest of Jirikovsky is seen as a pivotal moment, reflecting the government’s efforts to address public concerns and restore trust in institutional oversight.

The incident underscores the broader risks associated with cryptocurrency in illicit financial activities. It also highlights the need for more stringent protocols when handling digital asset donations, especially at the governmental level. The political fallout and public scrutiny have intensified, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of such transactions [1].

Source: [1] Cryptonews – [https://cryptonews.com/news/trafficker-linked-to-multi-million-dollar-bitcoin-scandal-arrested/](https://cryptonews.com/news/trafficker-linked-to-multi-million-dollar-bitcoin-scandal-arrested/)