Roger Ver’s Legal Battle and Potential Pardon
Bitcoin advocate Roger Ver, also known as Bitcoin Jesus, is facing up to 109 years in prison for tax evasion. He allegedly dodged $48 million in taxes. Despite renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2014, Ver was arrested in Spain in 2024.Now, influential figures like Vitalik Buterin, Ross Ulbricht, and Tucker Carlson are urging President Donald Trump to pardon him.
Trump has a history of pardoning crypto figures. He recently pardoned BitMEX co-founders Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed. They had pleaded guilty to federal charges related to money laundering. This has sparked speculation about Ver’s fate.
Ver has been a prominent figure in the crypto world since 2011. He invested in companies like kraken and Ripple and advocated for Bitcoin’s financial freedom. His libertarian views and early involvement in Bitcoin made him a key player in the industry.
Ver’s past includes a stint in prison for selling unlicensed firecrackers in 2001.He believes his criticism of the ATF led to his prosecution. After his probation ended, he left the U.S. and became a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Ulbricht, the former Silk Road operator, tweeted his support for Ver. He believes ver should not spend his life in prison over tax issues. The crypto community is now watching closely to see if Trump will extend a pardon to Ver.
roger Ver Faces Tax Evasion Charges Over Bitcoin Holdings
Roger Ver, a prominent figure in the crypto world, is in legal trouble. He’s accused of tax evasion related to his Bitcoin holdings. Prosecutors claim he didn’t pay the “exit tax” on 131,000 BTC when he left the U.S. They also say he gave false facts to the law firms handling his tax returns.
Ver denies these allegations. He says he tried to follow the Bitcoin tax rules, which were unclear at the time. The charges include mail fraud, which could land him in jail for 19 years. He’s charged with not paying taxes on 131,000 BTC from two companies. he allegedly sold these coins in 2017 without informing his financial advisors. Ver insists he was trying to comply with the new Bitcoin tax laws. He believes his prosecution is politically motivated.
Ver’s legal team argues that the exit tax is unfair.They say it’s too hard for people with large,illiquid assets. The government claims he’s a fugitive,but he disagrees. He says he didn’t hide and committed no crimes while in the U.S.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin weighed in on the case. He argued that the exit tax is extreme and uncommon globally. Buterin believes genuine mistakes should be corrected with penalties, not prosecution.
Ver’s case gained attention from crypto advocates. Some urged president Trump to pardon him, similar to Ross Ulbricht’s pardon. However, elon Musk, a Trump advisor, stated that Ver wouldn’t be pardoned because he renounced his U.S.citizenship.This decision faced criticism, as the President can pardon non-citizens.
The future of Roger Ver’s case remains uncertain.His legal battle continues, and the crypto community watches closely.
Roger Ver Seeks Presidential Pardon Amid Citizenship controversy
roger Ver, a prominent figure in the crypto world, has sparked a debate with his recent plea for a presidential pardon. Following Elon Musk’s tweet, Ver took to X to share a video explaining his legal troubles and his request for clemency from former President Donald Trump.
In the video,Ver emphasized his American roots,describing the decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship as one of the most difficult he has ever made. This move has raised questions about the eligibility for a pardon, but Ver insists he remains an American at heart.
Ver’s case has gained support from various quarters. After other individuals like Ulbricht, Hayes, Delo, and Reed received presidential pardons, Angela McArdle, the Chair of the national Libertarian Party, voiced her support. “Let’s pray Roger Ver is next!” she said on Friday.
Though, the situation remains unclear. Musk’s comments on Ver’s chances for clemency have been met with skepticism. As of Saturday, Trump has not commented on Ver’s situation. The crypto community and Ver’s supporters will be watching closely to see if he receives the pardon he seeks.
