In the Czech Republic, law enforcement authorities have detained programmer Tomáš Jíříkovský, who became known as the founder of the darknet platform Sheep Marketplace. He is suspected of offering a bribe of 468 BTC (approximately 45 million USD at the time of the transaction), which may be related to the resignation of Justice Minister Pavel Blažek in May 2025.
This is reported by Business • Media
Details of the Arrest and Jíříkovský’s Background
According to reports from the prosecutor’s office, during the search, Jíříkovský attempted to escape by trying to climb onto the roof of his own house, but he was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. Media sources indicate his possible involvement in transferring bitcoins to a high-ranking official in order to avoid a new prison sentence.
“The investigation claims that cryptocurrency transfers can be traced, despite attempts to conceal their source.”
Jíříkovský amassed wealth through the darknet platform Sheep Marketplace, which operated in 2013 and was involved in illegal trade. After the closure of the resource, he also embezzled users’ funds. In 2017, the platform’s founder was sentenced to nine years in prison for theft, drug trafficking, and illegal possession of weapons, but he was released on parole in 2021.
Related Cases and Investigations
The investigation has also focused on another darknet platform – Nucleus, which holds approximately 5000 BTC. The platform recently resumed activity after a nine-year hiatus. Notably, in March 2025, a transaction of $77.5 million was made from its wallet, which caught the attention of market analysts.
Experts point out that while cryptocurrencies provide privacy for most users, large transfers that exhibit signs of criminal activity can be relatively easily traced on the blockchain. Trezor analyst Lucien Bourdon emphasized that this demonstrates the transparency of cryptocurrency transactions and the need for a responsible approach in financial systems.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are taking measures to protect the individuals involved and witnesses in the case. No formal charges have yet been brought against Tomáš Jíříkovský.