Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek resigned because his ministry accepted a Bitcoin gift from a convicted criminal and later sold the cryptocurrency for about 1 billion koruna ( $45 million ).
Blazek said earlier that he didn’t see anything wrong with accepting the gift as there was no proof that it originated from illegal activities. However, Czech media reported that the Bitcoin gift came from a convicted drug dealer. The minister’s decision to accept the gift was criticized, leading to his resignation.
According to local media reports, a state wallet received more than 480 BTC, which officials immediately liquidated, earmarking the proceeds for victim – compensation funds and prison equipment. Blazek told reporters on May 29 that the donation complied with Czech law and could be viewed as restitution by the donor. But the controversy still led to his departure from the position.
Related topic:
