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Czech President Appoints a New Justice Minister Amid a Bitcoin Scandal

Justice Minister Pavel Blazek resigned in early 2025 after a controversy emerged involving a bitcoin donation worth CZK 1 billion made to the Justice Ministry by an individual with a criminal conviction.
The donation of 468 bitcoins from Tomas Jirikovsky, a former convict, has prompted police to investigate the matter, with the High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Olomouc probing potential criminal offenses related to official misconduct and financial crimes.
Deputy Justice Minister Karel Dvorak was reportedly aware of the offer according to an email discussed in December 2024, while political parties called for resignations and a no-confidence vote.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Petr Fiala named Eva Decroix to lead the Justice Ministry in an effort to rebuild public confidence and promote transparency following the controversy over the bitcoin donation.
The scandal prompted an opposition-led no-confidence vote likely to fail but may harm the ruling coalition's standing ahead of the October 3-4 election.

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EURACTIV

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New Czech justice minister vows transparency after bitcoin controversy

Eva Decroix takes the helm as Czech justice minister, tasked with restoring trust amid a bitcoin scandal linked to her predecessor.

2 months ago·Brussels, Belgium

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The Straits Times

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Czech government installs new minister after bitcoin scandal

PRAGUE - Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala appointed a new justice minister on Tuesday to replace political veteran Pavel Blazek, who triggered a political storm when he accepted a payment to the state by an ex-convict worth $45 million in bitcoin. Read more at straitstimes.com.

2 months ago·Singapore

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U.S. News

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Czech Government Installs New Minister After Bitcoin Scandal

2 months ago·New York, United States

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Associated Press News

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Czech president appoints a new justice minister amid a bitcoin scandal

Czech President Petr Pavel has sworn in a new justice minister amid a political crisis caused by a bitcoin-related scandal.

2 months ago·United States

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Novinky.cz

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Decroix Should Have Been a Minister Before Blažek. She Is a Professional and Knows How to Get Things Done, Says a Woman From Her Village

A few days ago, ODS MP Eva Decroix stood in the background behind her colleagues in high positions, now her name is often mentioned because she will become Minister of Justice on Tuesday. She will replace Pavel Blažek (elected for the ODS), who resigned due to the bitcoin case. The party's vice-chairwoman, Decroix, is a lawyer, and she and her husband own a well-known bistro in the Vysočina region.

2 months ago

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