Roger Ver, also known as "Bitcoin Jesus," contests U.S. government tax evasion charges, accusing authorities of bias and selective enforcement in a high-profile crypto case.

Roger Ver Fights Indictment Over Tax Evasion Claims

Crypto pioneer denies wrongdoing and challenges U.S. tax laws

Roger Ver has filed a motion to dismiss a U.S. indictment accusing him of evading $240 million in taxes from Bitcoin sales. Arrested in Barcelona earlier this year, Ver is charged with underreporting Bitcoin holdings and failing to pay an "exit tax" upon expatriating. His legal team claims the charges stem from political bias and misuse of attorney-client communications.

Key Allegations in the Indictment

Government outlines Ver’s alleged tax evasion tactics

The indictment states that Ver held over 131,000 Bitcoins across his companies MemoryDealers and Agilestar in 2014. Despite the assets being valued at $871 per Bitcoin, Ver allegedly evaded taxes totaling $48 million. U.S. prosecutors also allege Ver failed to declare these holdings properly, circumventing a required "exit tax" upon renouncing U.S. citizenship.

Defense Arguments Against the Charges

Ver cites lack of clear crypto regulations at the time

Ver’s defense argues that during 2014, regulatory guidance on crypto taxation was ambiguous, making compliance challenging. His attorneys further claim the indictment is politically motivated, emphasizing that clear IRS guidelines on crypto taxation only emerged years later. Ver insists his actions followed professional advice available at the time.

Crypto Community Reacts to the Case

Critics label the charges as politically motivated

The case has sparked outrage among crypto advocates, who view it as part of a broader "anti-crypto" agenda by the U.S. government. Civil rights attorney Robert Barnes called the charges an example of "lawfare" targeting the crypto industry. Critics hope that a more crypto-friendly stance under the incoming U.S. administration will shift enforcement priorities.

What Lies Ahead for Roger Ver

Extradition and trial await the Bitcoin pioneer

• Ver's trial is scheduled for February 2025, hinging on his extradition to the U.S.
• His defense focuses on the lack of clear regulations during his alleged offenses.
• The crypto industry closely watches the case, seeing it as a potential precedent for future regulatory disputes.

Roger Ver's legal battle underscores the ongoing clash between the crypto industry and regulators over taxation, enforcement, and political motivations.