Roger Ver’s Legal Saga: A Potential $48 Million Settlement in US Tax Case
In a significant development within the cryptocurrency world, Roger Ver, famously dubbed “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early advocacy of Bitcoin, is reportedly close to resolving a U.S. criminal tax case. This potential resolution involves a substantial payment of approximately $48 million.
Prosecutors allege that this settlement will address tax discrepancies related to Ver’s cryptocurrency assets spanning the years 2014 to 2017. However, the agreement remains provisional, pending approval by a federal court.
Details of the Settlement and Judicial Review
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The proposed settlement is structured as a deferred prosecution agreement. Such an arrangement implies that if Ver complies with the stipulated terms, the charges against him may be dismissed. However, the agreement is yet to be presented to the presiding judge, who retains the authority to modify or reject it. Notably, the case’s public records still reflect previous extradition and arrest actions.
Ver’s arrest took place in Spain following the unsealing of the indictment in April 2024, and U.S. authorities subsequently sought his extradition to face these charges.
Allegations and Valuation of Assets
According to court documents and statements from the Department of Justice, prosecutors claim that Roger Ver and his associated companies possessed approximately 131,000 BTC when he left the United States in 2014. This substantial cryptocurrency holding was valued at around $114 million at the time, according to filings. Authorities applied expatriation rules, which view assets as sold the day before an individual renounces citizenship, resulting in an alleged tax liability of roughly $48 million for the years in question.
The charges include tax-related offenses and mail fraud, based on accusations that Ver underreported personal holdings and understated distributions from entities under his control. These charges remain active on the public docket until a court finalizes the settlement.
The Legal Team and Political Connections of “Bitcoin Jesus”
Reports have surfaced indicating that Roger Ver enlisted the services of legal professionals linked to influential Bitcoin and political figures. Media sources reveal that he paid $600,000 to Trump ally Roger Stone as part of lobbying efforts, drawing scrutiny from political commentators across the spectrum.
Observers are closely monitoring whether Ver’s political associations influence the handling of cryptocurrency enforcement under the Trump administration, while others emphasize the importance of relying on legal facts to inform conclusions.
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