Czech Republic Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned amidst controversy after receiving a hefty bitcoin donation of approximately $45 million from a convicted ex-convict. The donation, reported to be linked to the former operator of the now defunct darknet platform Sheep Marketplace, sparked significant scrutiny and public criticism of the ministry’s handling of the funds. 480 Bitcoin were received, according to official reports, with the Ministry stating that they sold the cryptocurrency. The ex-convict, Tomáš Jiřikovský, was imprisoned for drug trafficking and embezzlement following his involvement in the darknet platform’s closure in 2013, where it is believed he absconded with user funds. Despite claims of remorse, Blažek resigned to prevent negative repercussions on Prime Minister Peter Fiala’s coalition government which is set to face a parliamentary election in October. His resignation followed widespread speculation about possible money laundering given the controversial nature of the donor’s history. Blažek defended his decision to accept donations arguing that they were fully legal and would be used for improving the justice system, focusing on digitization of court systems, prison staff housing, and drug eradication efforts. However, many have questioned the donation’s legitimacy and whether it was influenced by Jiřikovský’s desire to recover funds seized during his arrest. A key point of contention centers around a lawyer’s negotiation with Blažek for a portion of the Bitcoin funds in exchange for a return on the confiscated assets, leading to the transfer of the funds to a different wallet in March after being dormant for nearly a decade. The investigation into this bitcoin donation remains ongoing, with Czech authorities from the National Headquarters for Combating Organization and Public Prosecutor Office for Olomouc actively probing for potential money laundering or illegal activity.