Bitcoin News Today: Czech police arrest darknet founder over 468 BTC tied to ex-justice minister resignation

Czech police have arrested Tomas Jirikovsky, the founder of the darknet marketplace Sheep Marketplace, in connection with a $45 million Bitcoin donation that triggered the resignation of former Justice Minister Pavel Blazek earlier this year [1]. The arrest came after authorities launched an independent investigation into the case, which had previously been part of broader proceedings. Jirikovsky, a convicted cybercriminal, had allegedly paid Blazek 468 BTC to avoid serving a new prison sentence.

During the police raid on Thursday night, Jirikovsky reportedly attempted to evade capture by climbing onto his home’s rooftop. A neighbor alerted his ex-wife, who then informed police, leading to his eventual arrest [1]. Jirikovsky was already known for his involvement in darknet operations. From 2013 to 2013, he ran Sheep Marketplace, a platform linked to drug trafficking, weapons sales, and counterfeit goods. During that period, he reportedly earned 680 BTC and later stole an additional 841 BTC from users, accumulating at least 1,500 BTC in total [1]. In 2017, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for embezzlement, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession, but was released on parole in 2021 after serving half his sentence.

The recent Bitcoin donation has sparked a political and legal controversy. Blazek resigned in May after accepting a large cryptocurrency gift from an individual with a known criminal background, and local media quickly linked the transaction to Jirikovsky. The 468 BTC in question was traced to a wallet associated with the darknet marketplace Nucleus, which reportedly held 5,000 BTC and was connected to Jirikovsky [1]. The transaction, first revealed by blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence in March 2025, marked the platform’s first onchain activity in nine years.

Lucien Bourdon, a Bitcoin analyst at Prague-based Trezor, highlighted the implications of the case. He noted that while standard users may enjoy privacy with cryptocurrency tools, large transactions by criminals or public figures remain highly visible on the blockchain. “Large transfers can be traced forever,” Bourdon said [1]. His comments reflect growing concerns about how cryptocurrencies can be used for illicit activities, but also how their traceability can aid law enforcement.

The case has intensified scrutiny on the use of Bitcoin in high-stakes legal and political transactions. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous and recorded on a public ledger, allowing investigators to trace flows of funds. The Czech authorities’ decision to pursue this case demonstrates the evolving capabilities of law enforcement in dealing with digital currencies.

At this stage, there is no official confirmation of direct ties between Jirikovsky and the ministry or the former minister. However, the high value of the transaction and the political fallout suggest the investigation could have wider legal and political consequences. The global crypto community is watching closely, as the case may influence future regulatory developments and compliance measures, particularly in jurisdictions where digital currencies remain in a legal gray area.

Czech police have not yet announced formal charges or the next steps in the investigation. The arrest marks a significant development in a case that underscores the complex relationship between cryptocurrency, criminal justice, and public accountability [1].

Source:

[1] AInvest - Bitcoin News Today: Czech police arrest darknet founder ... (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-czech-police-arrest-darknet-founder-45m-bitcoin-donation-linked-justice-minister-resignation-2508/)