The Bitcoin scandal in the Czech Republic has caused a political uproar, leading to the resignation of Minister of Justice Pavel Blažek. The controversy surrounds a 1 billion koruna ($45 million) cryptocurrency donation from a convicted drug dealer, Tomáš Jiřikovský, which was accepted by the Ministry of Justice.
Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura, however, has refused to resign despite calls from the opposition. He has emphasized that his department had no involvement in the decision to accept the Bitcoin donation. Stanjura admitted to knowing about Blažek’s intentions but claimed he tried to persuade him not to go through with it.
The scandal has shaken the Czech government, with President Petr Pavel acknowledging it as a major problem that tarnishes the country’s reputation. The Ministry of Justice has already sold part of the donated cryptocurrency in auctions, marking the first such sale by a public body in the country.
The controversy was the subject of an extraordinary session in the Czech parliament, where political clashes and statements dominated the debate. The opposition, led by the ANO party, has called for the resignation of Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the entire cabinet. Fiala and Blažek have both admitted that accepting the Bitcoin donation was a mistake.
The Czech Cryptocurrency Association has criticized the government for failing to adhere to regulatory requirements, such as verifying the donor’s identity and assessing potential risks of criminal links. The industry organization emphasized the importance of following European regulations and anti-money laundering laws when accepting donations.
Despite the political turmoil, the fate of the government remains uncertain as the opposition pushes for a vote of no confidence. The fallout from the Bitcoin scandal continues to unfold, with calls for accountability and transparency in handling cryptocurrency donations.