9. 04. 2025 | Natalie Bezděková

0

• Share with others    

The case surrounding the sudden death of Tomáš Smetka, a Czech developer and cryptocurrency expert who tragically died in December 2023 after falling from a balcony in Prague’s Karlín district, has been officially closed. The prosecutor’s office dismissed an appeal against the police decision to drop the investigation, making the case resolution final. According to the Prague police spokesperson Jan Daněk, the complaint was found to be without merit and no further comment was provided.

Smetka was a known figure in the local crypto community, collaborating with several individuals and companies now under police investigation. Among them is Richard Watzke, founder of Xixoio, a startup that aimed to build a digital stock exchange where companies could raise capital through token sales. That project is currently being investigated by the National Centre for Organized Crime on suspicion of fraud. Watzke continues to deny any wrongdoing.

In his final year, Smetka also worked with Václav Holler from the crypto company Cryfin, who is likewise under investigation for alleged financial fraud. Holler also maintains his innocence.

Another significant conflict in Smetka’s final months involved people linked to the startup Refork, for which he developed the EFK token. The tension centered around disagreements about the use of funds designated for building a metaverse-based virtual world meant to serve as a new source of income for the company. Businessman Daniel Rudzan, who is currently facing charges in a separate tax fraud case involving fuel trading, is believed to have had strong influence over Refork.

Suspicion also surrounds changes in Smetka’s business just days before his death. A week prior, Slovak entrepreneur and private investigator Victor Aliquis replaced him as managing director of his company and later became the administrator of Smetka’s estate. According to Aliquis, Smetka hired him due to concerns for his personal safety.

Smetka died in the early morning hours of December 3, 2023, after falling from the balcony of his rented apartment. A small gathering took place in the flat the night before. One of the few attendees and a direct witness of the incident was entrepreneur Viktor Hajíček, for whom Smetka had been building a token-based capital-raising system. Following Smetka’s death, Hajíček declared the project officially terminated.

Photo source: www.pexels.com

Natalie Bezděková

I am a student of Master's degree in Political Science. I am interested in marketing, especially copywriting and social media. I also focus on political and social events at home and abroad and technological innovations. My free time is filled with sports, reading and a passion for travel.