Key Takeaways
Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has been arrested in Spain on charges from the US Justice Department, including tax fraud and mail fraud;
The charges allege that Ver failed to report $48 million in capital gains;
Some members of the crypto community expressed satisfaction over the legal actions due to Ver’s past controversial activities.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor known as “Bitcoin Jesus.”
On April 30, it was revealed that Spanish authorities arrested Ver following an indictment by the US, which alleges that he evaded taxes, committed mail fraud, and submitted false tax returns.
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This indictment claims Ver didn’t report around $48 million in capital gains from sales of Bitcoin and other assets.
The charges state that in June 2017, Ver reportedly controlled about 70,000 BTC, which he sold for around $240 million before the cryptocurrency’s bull run later that year.
US authorities are now seeking to extradite Ver from Spain to face trial in the United States. As of this report, he has not publicly commented on the charges.
The crypto community has shown varied reactions to Ver’s arrest. Dan Held, a Bitcoin investor and former Kraken executive, expressed strong disapproval of his actions, attributing damage to Bitcoin’s community and market expectations:
Roger attacked my livelihood by trying to get me fired, called up others to hurt my relationships, and attacked my reputation. He misaligned expectations around Bitcoin so much that it led to a civil war. He deserves everything that he’s about to get. I’ve paid my taxes accurately.
It is not the first time that Ver has been involved in controversies. In 2022, he also faced allegations regarding a $47 million debt to crypto investment platform CoinFlex.
Such legal challenges mark his disputed role in the crypto world.
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.
