Czech Officials Arrest Former Darknet Operator Amid Bitcoin Donation Scandal
czech police have arrested Tomáš jiřikovský, a former darknet marketplace operator, following his alleged $45 million Bitcoin donation to the Ministry of Justice. the controversial incident,which has sparked a wave of suspicion and investigations,suggests a deep-seated criminal network involving money laundering and illegal drug trade.
According to local media outlet Deník N, Jiřikovský was captured in Břeclav after a brief rooftop chase. The $45 million捐赠 came under scrutiny for its potential ties to his past as the owner of Sheep Marketplace, an illegal platform used for selling drugs and other illicit commodities.
- Police seized evidence during the arrest suggesting involvement in money laundering and drug trafficking.
- The scandal prompted the resignation of former Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in June.
- Current Prime Minister petr Fiala now faces one of the biggest crises of his management.
Jiřikovský’s dark net history dates back to 2013 when he reportedly amassed significant wealth through the Sheep Marketplace. Subsequently, in 2017, he received a nine-year jail term for various crimes, though he was released on parole in 2021.
With elections looming, the scandal has damaged public faith in the ruling ODS party. An external auditor’s report revealed Ministry of Justice officials accepted the donation despite evident signs of its questionable origins. This further complicates the matter, suggesting potential violations of anti-money laundering laws.
