Justice minister to file criminal complaint in bitcoin case

Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc (ANO)  plans to file a criminal complaint over possible misconduct at the Justice Ministry under the former administration in the so-called bitcoin case. The minister said the findings suggest potential criminal offences, including breach of duty in the management of another’s property and abuse of official authority. The affair centers around the Ministry of Justice’s acceptance of bitcoins worth approximately one billion crowns from a man previously convicted of drug trafficking, embezzlement, and illegal arms possession.

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) specifically pointing to then head of the minister’s office, Filip Benda. According to her, Benda had early information that a planned donation agreement between the state and Tomáš Jiřikovský was highly problematic and could serve to legitimize cryptocurrency linked to crime. Schillerová added that the state had 36 days to respond and halt the questionable transaction, which it failed to do.

Tejc further stated that no preliminary oversight had taken place and that the bitcoin wallet was opened before ministry representatives arrived, without any intervention. He also claimed that the minimum price of the bitcoin sold at auction was subsequently reduced, resulting in financial losses for the state.