TLDR: Bitcoin pioneer Roger Ver is seeking a presidential pardon from Donald Trump after being charged with tax evasion and mail fraud. Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, claims he is a victim of politically motivated legal action.
However, crypto enthusiasts are split on whether Ver deserves leniency. While some believe no one should spend life in prison for tax evasion, others argue that his past actions and unwillingness to settle his debts make him unworthy of a presidential pardon.
Ver’s Legal Battle and Calls for Clemency
Ver, often called “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early evangelism of Bitcoin, released a series of social media videos where he dramatically presents his case. His Jan. 26 video is filled with police sirens, American flags, and patriotic imagery, as he insists he is an American at heart, despite renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2014.
The U.S. Treasury Department accuses Ver of undervaluing his assets when he gave up his citizenship, allegedly to avoid paying a hefty exit tax. His companies, which continued operating in the U.S., also allegedly failed to pay proper taxes. The charges carry a potential 109-year sentence, though this figure represents the maximum possible penalty and not an actual ruling.
In his Jan. 27 follow-up video, Ver denied the charges and instead framed his situation as a government conspiracy. He claims he has been targeted for years—first by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) over a fireworks-selling charge that led to a 10-month prison sentence in the early 2000s, and now by the IRS over his Bitcoin wealth.
Elon Musk and Crypto Leaders Weigh In
While some in the crypto community sympathize with Ver, others, including Elon Musk, argue that he is undeserving of a pardon.
“Roger Ver gave up his U.S. citizenship. No pardon for Ver,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Jan. 26. Following Musk’s remarks, prediction markets like Polymarket saw Ver’s odds of receiving a pardon plummet.
Other crypto figures, including Bitcoin developer James O’Beirne, noted that Ver played a significant role in Bitcoin’s adoption and questioned whether his actions truly warrant a life sentence.
Some critics argue that Ver could have avoided prison by simply settling with the IRS. MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor, for example, recently paid $40 million to resolve a tax dispute and move forward. Ver’s refusal to do the same has led some to speculate that he either lacks the funds or is refusing on principle.
Is Ver the Next Ross Ulbricht?
Ver’s supporters are comparing his case to that of Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder who was pardoned by Trump earlier this month. Like Ver, Ulbricht claimed he was unfairly targeted by the government, and his supporters framed his case as government overreach.
However, there are key differences:
- Ulbricht was already serving a life sentence before receiving clemency, whereas Ver has yet to face trial.
- Ulbricht became a symbol of flawed drug policy, a widely debated issue, whereas Ver’s case revolves around tax evasion, which does not carry the same level of public sympathy.
- Ulbricht expressed remorse for his actions, while Ver continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Will Trump Grant a Pardon?
Despite Ver’s campaign, betting markets remain skeptical that Trump will intervene on his behalf. As of today, Polymarket places Ver’s chances of a pardon at extremely low odds.
While Trump’s administration has shown pro-crypto leanings, Ver’s renunciation of U.S. citizenship and the high-profile nature of his tax fraud case may prevent him from receiving the sympathetic treatment granted to Ulbricht
HIDDEN INSIGHT
Citizenship Renunciation and Legal Obligations: Ver’s case brings to light the complexities and potential legal pitfalls associated with renouncing U.S. citizenship, especially concerning tax obligations and asset declarations.