- A $45 million Bitcoin auction linked to convicted criminal Tomáš Jiřikovský, has triggered political turmoil in the Czech government.
- Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned on May 30 following the controversial auction of nearly 500 Bitcoins, with new minister Eva Decroix promising an independent investigation into the matter.
- A no-confidence motion has been tabled against the Czech government, led by opposition party ANO, scheduled for debate next week.
The Czech government is reportedly facing a no-confidence vote next week after a $45 million Bitcoin auction, linked to a convicted criminal, sparked political turmoil and the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek.
Alena Schillerová, a member of the country’s leading opposition party ANO, submitted a motion on Thursday, alleging corruption and demanding accountability over the controversial sale of nearly 500 Bitcoin.
The cryptocurrency was originally seized from Tomáš Jirákovský, a convicted online black market operator, drug trafficker, and arms dealer.
Minister Blažek’s Resignation
The Czech Justice Ministry confirmed on May 28 that it had auctioned the confiscated Bitcoin for approximately 1 billion Czech koruna ($45 million).
Under pressure, Justice Minister Blažek resigned on May 30, denying wrongdoing but stating that his resignation was intended to protect the government’s image ahead of the October general elections.
Eva Decroix was sworn in as the new justice minister on Tuesday by President Petr Pavel. Decroix has committed to a full independent investigation into the sale and the ministry’s conduct.
Opposition Demands Investigation
Alena Schillerová, vice-chair of the ANO party, said her party had “no choice” but to initiate the no-confidence motion, which is scheduled for debate on Tuesday.
ANO has raised concerns about whether the sale followed proper legal procedures, including questions over whether the origin of the Bitcoin was adequately vetted.
Recent crypto scandals globally
The Czech scandal adds to a growing list of political controversies involving cryptocurrency.
In Argentina, President Javier Milei recently faced backlash after promoting the Solana-based token Libra (LIBRA), which surged in value following his endorsement but later crashed by over 94% after he deleted his post. Argentina’s anti-corruption office later cleared Milei of any legal violations.
Meanwhile in the United States, former President Donald Trump is also under scrutiny for his crypto related ventures. In May, Democratic lawmakers launched legislative and investigative actions aimed at curbing Trump’s potential profits from cryptocurrency initiatives.