Roger Ver Challenges US Tax Evasion Charges of $48 Million
Roger Ver, known as "Bitcoin Jesus" for his early support of Bitcoin, is contesting U.S. tax evasion charges alleging he avoided $48 million in taxes and filed a false return. Arrested in February at a cryptocurrency conference in Barcelona, Ver awaits a Spanish court's decision on extradition to the U.S.
The charges relate to the sale of $240 million in cryptocurrencies and an “exit tax” after Ver renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014. His legal team claims the case is politically motivated, arguing it reflects the Biden administration's aggressive approach to crypto enforcement and seeks to regulate the industry through prosecution rather than clear policies.
Critics view Ver’s arrest as a targeted action against prominent figures to set a legal precedent. Author Bret Weinstein labeled the case unjust, asserting that Ver’s advocacy for decentralized technologies empowers individuals. Ver has consistently promoted Bitcoin and decentralized finance, advocating for reduced government involvement in financial systems.
Ver, with significant contributions to the cryptocurrency sector, including early investments in Ripple Labs, BitPay, and Kraken, has faced various legal challenges. He has been involved in lawsuits from firms like Genesis and ConFLEX, and his recent arrest has intensified discussions on U.S. crypto regulations and their implications for industry pioneers.
The U.S. government has increased scrutiny on high-profile crypto figures, with former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky and associates of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried facing successful prosecutions, reflecting a broader crackdown on the industry.
Brought up in the U.S., Ver relocated to Japan in 2006 and became a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2014. Notable for promoting Bitcoin when its value was under $1, he often distributed BTC to foster adoption. His arrest raises critical questions about the future of cryptocurrency regulation and the treatment of early innovators.