On December 4th, COINOTAG News reported that Roger Ver, famously known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” is facing serious legal hurdles, with his defense team aiming to challenge tax evasion allegations by claiming government overreach. This situation follows his indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice on multiple counts, including email fraud and filing false tax returns, stemming from actions taken during his time in Spain. U.S. authorities are pursuing his extradition to ensure he stands trial stateside.
Ver’s journey in cryptocurrency started in 2011 when he became an early adopter of Bitcoin, driven by his deep-seated enthusiasm for the digital currency. Previously based in Santa Clara, California, he had business interests in companies like MemoryDealers.com Inc. and Agilestar.com Inc.. After renouncing his U.S. citizenship in February 2014, he carried the obligation to report global capital gains, including profits generated from Bitcoin transactions. The Justice Department estimates Ver’s actions have resulted in an approximately $48 million loss to the IRS.