according to the materials of the site - By VoiceOfCrypto (VOC)
Czech law enforcement agencies have detained Tomasz Zhirikovsky, the man behind the notorious Sheep Marketplace exchange, following the revelation of a large bribery attempt related to Bitcoin. Investigators claim that he transferred 468 BTC (≈ 45 million dollars) to a government official — this discovery contributed to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blazek earlier this year.
According to local media reports, Zhirikovsky even tried to escape from the police by climbing onto the roof of his house before being detained. Since then, authorities have seized confidential documents and arrested several individuals associated with the case.
Who is Tomasz Zhirikovsky?
Zhirikovsky gained notoriety in 2013 when he launched Sheep Marketplace — a darknet hub for trading drugs, counterfeit goods, and weapons. At that time, Bitcoin was trading at around 100 dollars, but he managed to accumulate about 680 BTC using the platform. Later, he stole 841 BTC from users, gaining control over more than 1500 BTC.
In 2017, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for theft, illegal drug trafficking, and violation of weapons regulations, but was released on parole after four years.
Transfer of bitcoins worth 45 million dollars
A suspicious transaction tracked through the darknet site Nucleus played a key role in his downfall. Arkham Intelligence tracked a transaction from March 2025 worth 77.5 million dollars, which became the first major movement of funds on this site in nearly a decade.
The connection between the Nucleus wallet and Zhirikovsky and the payment of 468 BTC led to new charges, including fraud and money laundering.
How authorities uncovered the case
Czech police gathered investigation materials using blockchain analysis, community tips, and digital forensics. They tracked wallet data flows, hacked devices and routers, and followed the forensic trail until it led them directly to Zhirikovsky.
These efforts highlight three points:
Cryptocurrencies can be used to hold officials accountable — the sitting Minister of Justice lost his position.
Bitcoin is traceable but is not a safe haven for criminals.
Czech regulators may tighten oversight by establishing stricter rules for large cryptocurrency transactions.
What's next?
After Zhirikovsky returned to prison, authorities continue to investigate the wallets and suspects associated with him. Potential asset recoveries and further arrests remain on the agenda.
For the global crypto community, this case serves as a reminder that blockchain transparency has a dual power: while it stimulates innovation, it also leaves an undeniable trail for law enforcement.
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