Attorneys for Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his role in early Bitcoin adoption, have filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges of tax evasion. Ver, indicted in April by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly failing to pay $50 million in taxes, was arrested in Spain and is fighting extradition to the U.S.
The motion argues the charges violate Ver’s rights and rely on misleading evidence presented to a grand jury. Ver’s legal team claims that unclear U.S. tax regulations, especially in cryptocurrency’s nascent stages, contributed to his alleged tax noncompliance.
The DOJ alleges Ver underreported his Bitcoin holdings when renouncing U.S. citizenship in 2014 and evaded taxes on $240 million worth of Bitcoin sold in 2017. “This prosecution must end,” the motion states, citing regulatory ambiguity and alleged government misconduct, including selective use of evidence and violation of attorney-client privilege.
Ver’s lawyers also highlighted good-faith discussions with the DOJ that were reportedly undermined by a secret indictment.
The timing of the motion coincides with a shifting regulatory climate under the incoming Trump Administration, which has shown pro-crypto policy leanings. Legal experts view this development as part of a broader conversation on how legacy tax laws apply to cryptocurrency pioneers navigating evolving regulations.
Ver, released on $160,000 bail in Spain, awaits a decision on his extradition. His case underscores the legal complexities of early crypto adoption and its intersection with tax compliance.
