The 2025 Czech government Bitcoin scandal refers to is a major political scandal that the Czech Republic experienced, following the revelation of a substantial Bitcoin donation made to the Ministry of Justice. The controversy ultimately led to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek, marking a significant moment in the country's contemporary political history.
Background
The controversy centers on a donation of 468 Bitcoins—valued at approximately 1 billion Czech koruna (around $45 million)—made to the Czech Ministry of Justice by Tomáš Jiříkovský, a convicted criminal known for operating the dark web marketplace "Sheep Marketplace," which facilitated illegal transactions. Jiříkovský had been convicted in 2017 for offenses including embezzlement, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession. After his release from prison in 2021, he sought to reclaim the Bitcoins that had been seized during his arrest. In a surprising turn, he donated a portion of these assets to the Ministry of Justice.
Minister's resignation and political fallout
Justice Minister Pavel Blažek accepted the donation without thoroughly investigating its origins. He later stated that he believed the donation was an act of repentance by Jiříkovský and that he did not anticipate any legal complications. However, the lack of due diligence sparked public outcry and accusations of potential money laundering. Facing mounting pressure and to prevent further damage to the government's reputation, Blažek resigned on 30 May 2025.
The scandal has intensified political tensions, with opposition parties calling for additional resignations, including those of Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura, alleging they were aware of the donation and its dubious origins.
On 19 June 2025, the government survived a no-confidence vote triggered by the scandal.
Ongoing investigations
The High Prosecutor's Office in Olomouc has initiated an investigation into the case, examining potential charges of abuse of official authority and money laundering. The police's organized crime unit is also involved in probing the circumstances surrounding the donation and its acceptance by the Ministry. Officials at the National Organized Crime Control Center have requested the cooperation of the U.S. FBI to jointly investigate Jiříkovský's connection to the dark web marketplace Nucleus Market. On 11 June 2025, members of the Financial Analysis Authority (FAA) Audit Committee discussed the case and found that the FAA had acted correctly.
On 5 June 2025, Neovlivni.cz wrote that Jiříkovský had traveled to Asia, which he could have done because he was not accused of anything at the time. Later it was discovered that he was in Taiwan. Jiříkovský promised that he would return in the second half of June.
Media coverage in the country
A number of Czech politicians, journalists and political commentators reacted to the case.
References
2025 Czech government Bitcoin scandal
Foreign journalists report on the case
The editors of the Politico server have warned that the case may help Andrej Babiš win the upcoming parliamentary elections. Petr Kaniok, a university teacher from Masaryk University, told the server that government politicians managed to cover up the case because Blažek resigned as minister. The journalist Jan Lopatka noted for Reuters that Fiala's government should not be given a vote of no confidence because of the majority of 104 MPs. The AP journalists said that the then government opposition accused the government of money laundering. The journalist Jean-Baptiste Chastand of the French daily Le Monde noted the transformation of government officials' communication from ‘giving money away for free’ to Blažek's removal from office. The motive of fear of the Czech Republic's failure as a money-laundering state was elaborated by Aneta Zachová for the European news website Euractiv.com, who shared President Petr Pavel's concerns about the erosion of trust in rule of law.
The journalist Anton Filippov from the Ukrainian newspaper European Pravda stated that the case could jeopardize Czech assistance in the war in Ukraine. He further speculated about the weakening of Fiala within ODS and the possibility of him being replaced by Martin Kuba, which would lead to an unpredictable change in the relationship between Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The editor Albin Sybera of the German agency Bne IntelliNews noted Zbyněk Stanjura's reluctance to resign from the position of Minister of Finance after the scandal, even though Blažek had informed him about the donation in advance. Sybera quoted economist Richard Hindls, referencing his interview with Czech Radio. Hindls stated that this type of transaction involving cryptocurrencies, including their sale at a state auction, would not be possible in the private sector due to state regulation.
([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Czech_government_Bitcoin_scandal?utm_source=openai))
Media coverage in the country
A number of Czech politicians, journalists and political commentators reacted to the case.
References
2025 Czech government Bitcoin scandal
Foreign journalists report on the case
The editors of the Politico server have warned that the case may help Andrej Babiš win the upcoming parliamentary elections. Petr Kaniok, a university teacher from Masaryk University, told the server that government politicians managed to cover up the case because Blažek resigned as minister. The journalist Jan Lopatka noted for Reuters that Fiala's government should not be given a vote of no confidence because of the majority of 104 MPs. The AP journalists said that the then government opposition accused the government of money laundering. The journalist Jean-Baptiste Chastand of the French daily Le Monde noted the transformation of government officials' communication from ‘giving money away for free’ to Blažek's removal from office. The motive of fear of the Czech Republic's failure as a money-laundering state was elaborated by Aneta Zachová for the European news website Euractiv.com, who shared President Petr Pavel's concerns about the erosion of trust in rule of law.
The journalist Anton Filippov from the Ukrainian newspaper European Pravda stated that the case could jeopardize Czech assistance in the war in Ukraine. He further speculated about the weakening of Fiala within ODS and the possibility of him being replaced by Martin Kuba, which would lead to an unpredictable change in the relationship between Ukraine and the Czech Republic. The editor Albin Sybera of the German agency Bne IntelliNews noted Zbyněk Stanjura's reluctance to resign from the position of Minister of Finance after the scandal, even though Blažek had informed him about the donation in advance. Sybera quoted economist Richard Hindls, referencing his interview with Czech Radio. Hindls stated that this type of transaction involving cryptocurrencies, including their sale at a state auction, would not be possible in the private sector due to state regulation.
([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Czech_government_Bitcoin_scandal?utm_source=openai))
## Recent Developments in Bitcoin Adoption and Regulation:
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