Programmer Jiříkovský withdraws his bitcoin gift to the Czech Justice Ministry, citing "ingratitude"

Tomáš Jiříkovský, one of the central figures in the Czech "bitcoin scandal," has decided to withdraw his gift to the Czech Ministry of Justice. He informed the ministry of his intention on August 14, citing ingratitude as the reason. The ministry itself disclosed this in a press release on Tuesday, naming the withdrawal of the gift as one of the possible risks in the whole affair.

"I consider it the ministry's duty to protect the state's interests and to be prepared for scenarios that could lead to litigation or financial damage," said Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc (ANO movement).

Where the bitcoins came from

Jiříkovský had previously handed over 468 bitcoins to the Ministry of Justice, which were later sold for nearly one billion crowns. According to police, these funds actually represent proceeds from trading on a darknet marketplace, for organizing which Jiříkovský was charged last summer.

Following this, police also launched an investigation into the ministry officials who accepted the gift — including former Justice Minister Pavel Blažek (formerly of ODS) and his deputy for economic affairs, Radomír Daňhel. Among those charged was also Jiříkovský's lawyer, Karim Tic, who acted as an intermediary in handing the gift over to the ministry.

What the defendants face in court

The state prosecutor is seeking 20 years in prison for Jiříkovský for organizing the darknet marketplace and laundering its proceeds. He also faces up to nine more years for money laundering through the transfer of part of the bitcoins to the Ministry of Justice. For Daňhel and Blažek, prosecutors are requesting 6.5 years' imprisonment each, along with multimillion-crown fines, for breach of official duties and involvement in laundering criminal proceeds.

Jiříkovský recently appeared in court again — escorted by police officers armed with automatic weapons, he emerged from the prison van wearing a mask and body armor. His defense requested his release from custody, but despite the Constitutional Court ruling in his favor twice, the request was denied.

"The defendant has taken certain steps and changed his position regarding the organization of the darknet marketplace and the laundering of criminal proceeds. He did not give detailed testimony, but indicated a willingness to cooperate with the investigation. We intend to build on this constructive attitude of his, but I won't comment further on it for now," prosecutor Lucie Slámová said after the hearing.

Source: novinky.cz