- Roger Ver has struck a deferred prosecution deal with the Justice Department.
- Former Attorney General Barr had sought President Trump’s assistance in the matter.
- Prosecutors allege he avoided paying at least $48 million in taxes.
On October 14, a well-known cryptocurrency supporter, often referred to as the “Yes of Bitcoin,” has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to resolve allegations of substantial tax evasion, according to a court document from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Roger Ver settled for charges of mail fraud and tax evasion in federal court in Los Angeles. Earlier this year, he publicly called on President Donald Trump for “help to end this legal issue.”
Interestingly, President Trump chose not to offer him a pardon. Despite that, the arrangement Ver reached with an administration generally supportive of cryptocurrency allows him to potentially evade prison if convicted later.
In accordance with the deal, Ver must comply with specific terms over the next month, after which the charges could be dropped. The Internal Revenue Service will be able to retrieve up to $49.9 million in owed taxes, penalties, and interest.
Ver’s attorney, Christopher Kiss—who has ties to Trump—helped navigate the legal situation. The Deputy Attorney General involved was Ketan Bild, who worked as a lawyer for Trump’s daughter Ivanka before her current role.
In a statement, Ver expressed gratitude that the lawsuit had been dismissed, acknowledging the professionalism of the Trump administration in bringing the matter to a resolution.
Known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” Ver began investing in Bitcoin back in 2011 and actively promoted it to the public. He renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014 after becoming a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis. However, he faced arrest in Spain in April 2024 when the Justice Department announced he was being indicted for failing to pay a substantial amount in taxes.
