Bitcoin Jesus Roger Ver Fights US Tax Charges

Roger Ver, widely known as "Bitcoin Jesus" for his early advocacy of Bitcoin, is challenging U.S. tax evasion charges that accuse him of avoiding $48 million in taxes and filing a false tax return. Ver, 45, was arrested in February while attending a cryptocurrency conference in Barcelona and is awaiting a Spanish court’s decision on his extradition to the U.S.

The charges stem from the sale of $240 million in cryptocurrencies and an “exit tax” tied to Ver renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2014. His legal team argues that the case is politically motivated, labeling it part of the Biden administration’s heavy-handed approach to crypto enforcement. They claim the charges are an attempt to regulate the cryptocurrency industry through prosecution rather than clear policy guidelines.

Critics in the crypto community view Ver’s arrest as an example of targeting prominent figures to set a precedent. Author Bret Weinstein described the case as unjust, stating Ver’s “crime” was promoting decentralized technologies that empower individuals. Ver has long been an outspoken advocate for Bitcoin and decentralized finance, calling for reduced government involvement in financial systems.

Despite his significant contributions to cryptocurrency, including early investments in Ripple Labs, BitPay, and Kraken, Ver is no stranger to legal battles. He has faced multiple lawsuits from crypto firms like Genesis and ConFLEX, and his recent arrest has reignited debates over U.S. crypto regulations and their impact on industry pioneers.

The government has recently taken a strong stance against high-profile crypto figures. Former Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky and associates of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have all faced successful prosecutions, reflecting increased scrutiny of the industry.

Born in the U.S., Ver moved to Japan in 2006 and became a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2014. Known for promoting Bitcoin when it was worth less than $1, Ver frequently gave away BTC to encourage adoption. His arrest raises questions about the future of cryptocurrency regulation and the treatment of its early innovators.