Roger Ver challenges US tax evasion charges in court

Roger Ver, known as "Bitcoin Jesus," has filed a motion in a California federal court to dismiss tax evasion charges brought against him by US prosecutors.

Ver argues that the charges are unconstitutional, specifically challenging the IRS' exit tax imposed on US citizens renouncing their citizenship who hold assets exceeding $2 million.

In a December 3 filing, Ver's legal team contended that the exit tax violates both the Apportionment Clause and the Due Process Clause of the US Constitution.

They further claim that the law's provisions were "inscrutably vague," particularly regarding their application to digital assets like Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC).

The IRS' exit tax aims to ensure that individuals pay any outstanding taxes before renouncing their citizenship.

Ver, however, argues that he faced significant barriers when attempting to submit his exit tax request, including the lack of liquid markets for Bitcoin at the time.

Ver is accused of evading over $48 million in taxes by failing to report capital gains from selling tens of thousands of Bitcoin for $240 million.

He also claims that prosecutors improperly interrogated one of his lawyers and overlooked crucial documents proving that he had no intent to file fraudulent tax returns.

In 2014, Ver renounced his US citizenship in favor of Japanese nationality.

The US government insists that Ver filed a fraudulent exit tax after the renouncement.

He faces charges of tax evasion, mail fraud, and filing false tax returns, which could result in up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.