In a dramatic turn for the crypto world, Roger Ver—famously dubbed “Bitcoin Jesus”—has reportedly struck a $48 million deal with the U.S. Justice Department to potentially drop his tax fraud charges, marking a potential end to a high-profile legal battle that has captivated the industry.
The Arrest and Allegations
Ver, 46, was arrested in Spain last year at the request of U.S. authorities, who accused him of evading taxes on massive Bitcoin gains. The indictment claimed that in 2014, Ver and his companies concealed ownership of 131,000 Bitcoin. By 2017, when he sold the holdings through U.S.-based firms MemoryDealers and Agilestar, he allegedly failed to report the profits to the IRS, leading to the fraud charges.
From Evangelist to Exile
Once a fervent Bitcoin promoter who gave away the cryptocurrency for free in its early days, Ver earned his “Bitcoin Jesus” moniker through heavy investments in nascent crypto ventures. However, he later pivoted to championing Bitcoin Cash—a fork of Bitcoin—as the “true” version, sparking fierce debates with Bitcoin maximalists. His aggressive promotion of Bitcoin Cash, now ranked 23rd by market cap, has kept him in the spotlight amid ongoing rivalries.
Legal Maneuvers and Background
Ver’s legal woes aren’t his first brush with the law; he served time in 2002 for selling explosives on eBay. In 2014, he renounced his U.S. citizenship for that of St. Kitts and Nevis, a known tax haven. Last year, Ver and supporters lobbied then-President Donald Trump to intervene, hoping to join other crypto figures who’ve seen cases dismissed or received pardons under the administration. Neither Ver nor the DOJ commented on the recent developments.
This settlement, if finalized, could close a chapter on one of crypto’s most colorful figures, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of early adopters by tax authorities.