Czech justice minister resigns from office over bitcoin scandal

Minister of Justice Pavel Blažek has resigned from office over a bitcoin-related scandal. Minister Blažek made the announcement just hours after it emerged that his ministry had accepted a donation of bitcoins worth one billion crowns from a person who was previously convicted of drug dealing and other crimes.

The opposition has accused Blažek of possible money laundering, because it isn’t clear where the bitcoins came from and why the ministry accepted them from a person convicted of drug dealing.

Mr. Blažek said he was not aware of any illegal actions, but was resigning from office, in agreement with Prime Minister Petr Fiala, as he does not want to damage the reputation of the government or the governing coalition.

The prime minister and the leaders of the governing coalition have welcomed Blažek’s resignation. Meanwhile the opposition parties have asked for the matter to be thoroughly investigated.