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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.

Finance Minister Alena Schillerová and Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc will present their findings on the bitcoin case at a press briefing today. Tejc will also announce the results of an audit he commissioned after taking office at the ministry.

The police are still investigating last year’s acceptance of a billion-crown donation by the Ministry of Justice. Tomáš Jiřikovský, who donated the bitcoins to the ministry, is facing charges of money laundering. The case has sparked disagreements among the then governing parties of Petr Fiala’s cabinet.

Last year, under the leadership of Pavel Blažek, the Ministry of Justice accepted nearly one billion crowns in bitcoin from Jiřikovský, a convicted drug dealer. Blažek subsequently resigned amid criticism and suspended his membership in the Civic Democratic Party.

The Czech Republic will present a concrete offer on how to help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz at Friday’s videoconference of representatives from around forty countries on the post-war arrangement of the strait. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) told journalists this after today’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Prague. He did not provide details. According to Deník N, Babiš wants to offer allies sophisticated military technology.

“We are coming forward with a proposal and an offer on how to help ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz,” the Czech prime minister said.

The videoconference of countries willing to participate in a multinational peace mission in the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the conflict is being organized on Friday by the United Kingdom and France.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (Motorists) has summoned Russian Ambassador Alexander Zmeyevsky in connection with threats made against two Czech companies, asking him to explain these statements to the Czech side. The ambassador should meet the minister early next week.

In reaction to the threats, President Petr Pavel stated it would be naïve to assume that the Czech Republic is not on Russia’s list of targets, and that it should therefore take appropriate measures.

On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a list of European companies that manufacture drones for Ukraine. The list includes two companies with branches in the Czech Republic — the Prague address of the Czech branch of the Ukrainian company DeVIRo, and the company PBS. Russia warned that these companies could become military targets.

The Czech police said they have no information about specific risks following Russia’s claim that branches of Ukrainian companies producing drones could be potential targets of the Russian armed forces. They are evaluating the information and any possible threats, the police said today on the X network.