Roger Ver, ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ Settles $48M Tax Fraud Case with U.S. DOJ

Paul
8 hours ago
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Roger Ver poses in a suit following his $48 million DOJ tax fraud settlement.

Highlights

  • Roger Ver settles $48 million tax fraud case off Trump’s softer crypto policy.
  • ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ used multiple efforts to influence outcome of DOJ charges.
  • Settlement signals growing leniency for early crypto figures facing U.S. prosecution.

Roger Ver, widely known in the crypto world as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) to end a tax fraud case. The agreement marks one of the most high-profile reversals in crypto enforcement under President Trump’s administration.

Roger Ver Settlement Highlights Trump Administration’s Softer Stance on Crypto Enforcement

According to a New York Times report, Ver will pay about $48 million to resolve charges of fraud and tax evasion. The deal is structured as a deferred-prosecution agreement, meaning the charges will be dropped if he meets the terms. Federal prosecutors accused Ver of failing to pay taxes owed on his digital currency holdings when he renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014.

The agreement is yet to be filed in court by Justice Department. Hence, there may still be a change to the information. But the settlement by ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ reflects a more lenient attitude to crypto enforcement cases by the new regime in contrast with the old one. The Biden administration might have been very aggressive in similar cases.

Also, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) broadened its regulation over digital assets. However, the current SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that crypto is a top priority for the regulator. The CFTC also plans to align regulatory frameworks with the SEC.

There has been a remarkable change in Trump’s style of regulating the crypto industry. In January this year, SEC had abandoned legal actions against some of the largest crypto exchanges like Coinbase. Trump also pardoned several figures tied to the industry, such as Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, and the BitMEX exchange founders convicted of money-laundering violations.

Roger Ver’s Political Ties and Lobbying Efforts Shape Outcome of Tax Case

Ver, now 46, was arrested in Spain last year as the Justice Department sought his extradition. Prosecutors said he concealed the value of his Bitcoin holdings before renouncing citizenship.

The controversy surrounding those early Bitcoin holdings has long fueled speculation about Roger Ver’s possible connection to dormant Satoshi-era wallets. A recent report even questioned whether he might be the whale behind an $8 billion BTC transfer.

His case soon became a rallying point among crypto supporters who accused the government of unfairly targeting early adopters. In January, Ver claimed in a social media video that he faced a possible sentence exceeding 100 years. He appealed directly to President Trump, asking for help and calling himself a victim of political bias. “Only you, with your commitment to justice, can save me,” he wrote on X.

Roger Ver also spent heavily to influence the case. Records show he paid $600,000 to political consultant Roger Stone to lobby against the tax provisions involved. He also hired David Schoen, who represented Trump during his second impeachment trial, and attorneys linked to Trump’s legal defense teams. As enforcement eases, Ver’s deal could be a sign of wider leniency toward digital asset figures once accused of wrongdoing.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Paul Adedoyin is a crypto journalist with 4+ years experience who provides timely news, in-depth research, and insightful content to inform and empower his audience. His works have been featured on sites such as CryptoMode, CryptoNewsFlash among others. He holds a degree in Geophysics from OAU, Nigeria. When he's not writing, he loves watching soccer and reading educative journals. He can be reached via [email protected]
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.