Polish prosecutors investigate crypto firm's links to conservative opposition politicians and organisations

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Prosecutors are investigating possible criminal offences relating to financing by Zondacrypto, a cryptocurrency exchange that collapsed earlier this year, of organisations and individuals linked to Poland’s right-wing opposition.

Among those named in an announcement by prosecutor general Waldemar Żurek, who also serves as justice minister, are Zbigniew Ziobro, a deputy leader of Law and Justice (PiS), the main opposition party, and the Polish edition of CPAC, an American conservative political conference.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Przemysław Kral, who was Zondacrypto’s head when it collapsed, has revealed that his client is cooperating with prosecutors. That lawyer, Roman Giertych, is also a prominent politician in Poland’s main ruling party, Civic Coalition (KO).

Zondacrypto came under scrutiny in April after customers began reporting being unable to access their funds. By late July, prosecutors had received several thousand notifications of suspected criminal activity connected with the exchange. Potential losses have been estimated at at least 350 million zloty (€81.4 million).