Bitcoin donation scandal of 45 million USD: Czech police arrest 'drug lord'

The Czech Republic police have just arrested Tomas Jirikovsky, a convicted drug criminal, in an investigation into a donation of 468 Bitcoin (worth about 45 million USD) to the Ministry of Justice — a case that nearly caused the government to collapse earlier this year. #Czech

According to Echo24, Jirikovsky, identified as the donor of this $BTC , was arrested in Breclav. Police also seized many related assets. Prosecutors stated that the case is currently focused on suspicions of money laundering and drug trafficking, separate from a broader investigation announced in May.

The controversial donation was accepted by former Minister of Justice Pavel Blazek without verifying the source. When the press revealed that the money came from Jirikovsky, Blazek had to resign in May. An audit concluded that the Ministry of Justice should not have accepted this money due to the high risks associated with crime.

The scandal has shocked the political arena, leading to a vote of no confidence in June, where Prime Minister Petr Fiala's government barely survived. The opposition party ANO continues to demand the resignation of additional ministers, including Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura.

Meanwhile, new Minister of Justice Eva Decroix has pledged to publish all records of over 8,000 items related to the case, as public pressure mounts ahead of the parliamentary elections in October. #anh_ba_cong