Czech Government Faces Backlash Over $45 Million Bitcoin Donation
A massive Bitcoin donation has sparked controversy in the Czech Republic.The opposition has demanded a no-confidence vote, accusing the government of accepting dubious funds.
On June 12, the opposition took a stand against what they view as corrupt practices. At the heart of the issue is a donation of 468 Bitcoins, valued at $45 million, made by Tomáš Jiříkovský. He’s a convicted drug trafficker and dark web operator.
Jiříkovský was jailed in 2017 for drug trafficking, fraud, and illegal weapons possession. He completed his sentence in 2021. The donation was given to the Justice Ministry and accepted by then-Minister Pavel Blazek.
Blazek resigned on May 31 under pressure from the opposition. They argue that the government didn’t perform adequate anti-money laundering (AML) or know-your-customer (KYC) checks. This oversight raises questions about the donation’s legality.
The situation echoes the “Silk Road” scandal. Jiříkovský’s activities are similar to those of Ross Ulbricht,the founder of Silk Road. Ulbricht, who was pardoned in 2025, also received a questionable bitcoin donation.
This incident undermines the Czech government’s efforts to promote crypto-friendly policies. It risks tarnishing Bitcoin’s reputation by linking it to illegal activities. The government must address these concerns to maintain public trust.
