Bitcoin Jesus’ Lawyers Claim Tax Case Breaks Constitutional Rules!
Cryptocurrency Mogul Roger Ver Fights Back Against Tax Evasion Charges
In a dramatic twist that has captured the attention of the crypto world, Roger Ver—affectionately known as “Bitcoin Jesus”—is making headlines as he battles a serious tax evasion indictment in the United States. Following his arrest in Spain this past April, Ver’s legal team has taken the first steps to challenge the U.S. government’s allegations in a Los Angeles federal court.
At the heart of this high-stakes legal drama, Ver faces claims of dodging a staggering $48 million in taxes linked to the sale of $240 million worth of cryptocurrency tokens. The charges escalate as Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship back in 2014, is accused of filing a misleading “exit tax” return.
As Ver awaits a decision from a Spanish judge regarding his potential extradition—an unprecedented case in the realm of crypto taxation—his lawyers are arguing that the exit tax imposed by the IRS is not only unconstitutional but also “impermissibly vague.” They contend that the government mishandled its investigation, questioning one of Ver’s legal representatives without due process and disregarding evidence that suggests he never intended to flout the law.
“This exit tax unfairly targets expatriates like Ver, demanding hefty sums that wouldn’t apply to the average American,” his attorneys asserted. They are determined to prove that Ver acted in good faith while attempting to navigate the murky waters of cryptocurrency taxation.
Despite the serious accusations, Ver’s defense paints a picture of a man trying to comply with complex tax regulations. They revealed an email from Ver in 2013 where he expressed his commitment to ensuring “exit tax payments are as clean as possible,” highlighting the entrepreneur’s awareness of his tax obligations.
The indictment also claims that Ver concealed key information about the cryptocurrencies his companies sold in 2017, which amounted to roughly $240 million. However, his legal team argues that Ver was actively seeking clarity regarding his tax liabilities and was caught off guard when the government abruptly announced his indictment.
Adding another layer to this legal saga, Ver’s lawyers allege that IRS agents overstepped their bounds by interviewing one of Ver’s tax attorneys without notice, a move that raises serious questions about attorney-client privilege. This situation echoes a recent U.S. Supreme Court case, which, although dropped without a ruling, could bear significant implications for Ver’s case.
Ver’s perspective is equally compelling. In a candid interview, he proclaimed that he’s been targeted for his outspoken views on government and crypto, stating, “They don’t like me, and they don’t like my political views, and they just came at me every which way.” Currently residing in Mallorca after a month behind bars, Ver spends his time connecting with friends and participating in local Bitcoin events—proving that amidst the chaos, his dedication to crypto remains strong.
Once a pioneer of the crypto movement, Ver was an early investor in major companies like Blockchain.com and BitPay. His journey took a turn in 2017 when he split from the Bitcoin community over a contentious software upgrade, subsequently supporting Bitcoin Cash. Today, Ver’s portfolio reportedly includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, and Zano.
As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for the cryptocurrency industry could be monumental. Will Roger Ver come out on top, or will this case set a precedent that alters the landscape of crypto taxation forever? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on this riveting case that stands at the intersection of innovation, finance, and the law.
