Czech Justice Minister resigns after selling $45M Bitcoin gift from convict

Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned connected May 30 aft his ministry sold astir $45 cardinal successful Bitcoin (BTC) that a antheral convicted of cause trafficking had donated.

According to local media reports, a authorities wallet received much than 480 BTC. Officials instantly liquidated the magnitude for astir 1 cardinal Czech koruna, worthy implicit $45 million, earmarking the proceeds for victim-compensation funds and situation equipment.

The donation resulted successful absorption lawmakers questioning the propriety of receiving assets from a erstwhile offender. Additionally, constabulary person launched an probe into the provenance of the coins and the circumstances nether which the ministry accepted them.

A fewer hours aft the commencement of the investigations, Blažek decided to resign from his tenure, which began successful December 2021. On a May 30 X post, he stated:

“After statement with the Prime Minister Petr Fiala, I person decided to resign from the presumption of Minister of Justice. I americium not alert of immoderate amerciable actions. However, I bash not privation to harm the government’s oregon the governing coalition’s reputation.”

Tomáš Jiřikovský donated the magnitude successful Bitcoin. Jiřikovský was arrested successful 2016 for moving an illicit online marketplace for drugs and medicines and aboriginal served 4 years for embezzlement and cause trafficking.

Minister defends transaction

Blažek told reporters connected May 29 that the donation complied with Czech instrumentality and could beryllium viewed arsenic restitution by the donor. 

He argued:

“Why should a convicted idiosyncratic not beryllium allowed to springiness thing to the state, for example, arsenic a signifier of penance?” 

Furthermore, the Justice Minister referenced statutes that let the authorities to judge spot aft clearing court-ordered forfeitures. 

State broadcaster ČT24 reported that Prime Minister Petr Fiala besides regarded the transportation arsenic lawful.

The premier minister’s bureau said it would sanction an interim curate and hold for the constabulary enquiry earlier deciding however to allocate the auction proceeds. The justness ministry has pledged afloat practice with investigators.

The station Czech Justice Minister resigns aft selling $45M Bitcoin acquisition from convict appeared archetypal connected CryptoSlate.