Bitcoin News Today: Czech police arrest darknet founder in 468 BTC political bribery case

Czech police have arrested Tomáš Jirikovský, the founder of the darknet marketplace Sheep Marketplace, in a high-profile Bitcoin bribery case involving 468 BTC (approximately $45 million at the time of the transaction). The funds are believed to be connected to the resignation of former Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in May 2025. Jirikovský was detained after allegedly attempting to escape a police raid by climbing onto a roof, according to local media reports [1]. The arrest marks a major development in the Czech Republic’s ongoing investigation into cryptocurrency use in political corruption [2].

Jirikovský, a convicted criminal with a history of drug trafficking and illegal arms possession, launched Sheep Marketplace in 2013, a platform used for selling illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, and other illicit items. The site was shut down after he was arrested for stealing users’ funds, and he was later sentenced to nine years in prison in 2017. He was released on parole in 2021 [3]. Despite his criminal record, he is believed to hold over 1,500 BTC in assets, much of which has yet to be recovered by authorities [4].

The alleged bribe was reportedly intended to prevent Jirikovský from receiving another prison sentence. The transaction was linked to a darknet marketplace known as Nucleus, which had recently reactivated after a nine-year hiatus. A $77.5 million Bitcoin transfer from Nucleus’s wallet in March 2025 had already drawn the attention of analysts [5]. The exposure of the bribe led directly to the resignation of Blažek, highlighting the growing intersection between digital currencies, political figures, and criminal networks.

The investigation, led by the Chief State Prosecutor’s office, is continuing, with authorities ensuring the safety of witnesses and defendants. No formal charges have yet been filed against Jirikovský, but the case is expected to have broader implications for how law enforcement handles cryptocurrency-linked crimes. Experts have noted that while privacy features exist for everyday users, large illicit transfers on public blockchains are increasingly traceable. Lucien Bourdon, an analyst at Trezor, emphasized that the incident reflects the transparency of blockchain and the potential for greater financial accountability [6].

The case underscores a growing trend in which law enforcement agencies are leveraging blockchain analytics to track and prosecute criminal activity involving digital assets. As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies become more integrated into both legitimate and illicit financial systems, this arrest may serve as a warning to those who attempt to use them for corruption or other crimes [1].

Source:

[1] https://coinpaper.com/10542/czech-police-arrest-darknet-founder-in-bitcoin-bribery-case?utm_source=snapi

[2] https://www.odaily.news/en/newsflash/443600

[3] https://financefeeds.com/darknet-operator-arrested-in-czech-over-alleged-bitcoin-bribe-to-justice-minister/