Zondacrypto/BitBay probe: charges, seizures and detentions

The Zondacrypto (formerly BitBay) investigation in Poland has expanded into a multi-front criminal probe involving charges, detentions, asset seizures and regulatory action. Prosecutors charged an individual identified as Roman Ż. with participating in an organized criminal group and computer fraud that allegedly misappropriated 7.8 million zlotys (about $2.1 million) of user funds. Authorities detained Ż. in Silesia, seized exchange documents and valuable watches, and sought pretrial detention citing flight and evidence-interference risks; a Polish court later approved temporary custody.

The inquiry has produced multiple suspects and measures. At least five people now face charges linked to the exchange’s collapse, and earlier arrests on Sept. 2 resulted in several suspects being ordered held in pretrial detention. Prosecutors told investigators they have received thousands of customer complaints and estimate client losses at no less than 350 million zlotys (roughly $94 million), a figure that far exceeds some early reports. Investigators say an organized group operated from about 2020 to 2026 with the aim of taking over assets tied to the platform’s founder and operators.

Authorities have taken steps to secure funds and assets that could support compensation or further inquiries. Media reports and official statements note a frozen bank account holding €4 million and more than 100 million zlotys in seized assets identified as potentially available to creditors, though no final repayment process has been announced. The probe was also merged with an inquiry into the March 10, 2022 disappearance of BitBay founder Sylwester Suszek after prosecutors concluded that information about the exchange’s management, ownership and financial activity could be relevant to Suszek’s fate. Operational disruption became public in early 2026: Zondacrypto acknowledged payment delays, suspended Bitcoin deposits in mid‑March, stopped trading in April and its website went dark. Estonia’s financial intelligence unit restricted and later revoked BB Trade Estonia OÜ’s license on June 29. The proceedings remain active and those charged retain the status of suspects while prosecutors continue collecting evidence and courts consider custody and other measures.