16.08.2025 00:44

Czech authorities have apprehended Tomáš Jiřikovský, the notorious operator of the defunct darknet marketplace Sheep Marketplace, on Thursday evening. This arrest follows a complex investigation into a substantial Bitcoin donation and allegations of money laundering. The $45 million donation, made earlier this year, allegedly flowed from Jiřikovský to the Ministry of Justice, prompting a wide-ranging probe.


The raid on Jiřikovský's Břeclav residence culminated in his arrest after a daring attempt to escape across the roof. Chief State Prosecutor Radim Dragoun confirmed that the investigation encompasses both money laundering and illegal drug trafficking, suggesting a deep connection between Jiřikovský's past activities and this recent scandal. Evidence related to both the Bitcoin donation and his darknet history was seized during the operation.


This arrest signifies far more than the capture of another darknet figure; it unravels a significant attempt to leverage illicit cryptocurrency wealth to influence Czech politics. Jiřikovský's substantial Bitcoin holdings stemmed from his operation of Sheep Marketplace, a platform facilitating over 680 BTC in illicit drug transactions before its sudden closure in 2013. He allegedly further augmented his cryptocurrency fortune through an exit scam, stealing an additional 841 BTC from user accounts. This ill-gotten wealth then fueled the controversial donation.


Despite a previous nine-year prison sentence in 2017 for offenses including embezzlement, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons possession, Jiřikovský's criminal activities apparently continued. The current investigation, focusing on the significant Bitcoin donation to the Ministry of Justice, adds a new and significant chapter to his already extensive criminal history. The scandal ultimately led to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in June. This case underscores the challenges posed by cryptocurrency in facilitating and obscuring large-scale financial crimes.