Roger Ver Settles $48 Million Tax Fraud Case with U.S. DOJ
Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has reached a $48 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The deal ends a tax fraud case against him. It is one of the most notable crypto enforcement reversals under the Trump administration.
The New York Times report states Ver will pay to resolve charges of fraud and tax evasion. The agreement is a deferred-prosecution deal. Charges will be dropped if Ver meets the terms.
Prosecutors accused Ver of not paying taxes on cryptocurrency when he renounced U.S. citizenship in 2014. The settlement is not yet filed in court, so details may change.
Changes in Crypto Enforcement Under Trump
Ver’s settlement reflects a softer crypto enforcement approach during the Trump era. This contrasts with the Biden administration’s more aggressive stance on digital asset cases.
- The SEC dropped legal actions against major exchanges like Coinbase earlier this year.
- Trump pardoned figures such as Ross Ulbricht and BitMEX founders.
- Federal regulators, including the SEC and CFTC, continue to work on crypto regulations.
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins said cryptocurrency regulation remains a top priority.
Ver’s Political Connections and Legal Strategy
Roger Ver, 46, was arrested in Spain last year as the DOJ sought his extradition. He allegedly hid Bitcoin holdings before renouncing U.S. citizenship.
Ver spent heavily on lobbying during the case. He paid $600,000 to Trump associate Roger Stone and hired lawyers linked to Trump’s legal teams. Ver also appealed directly to Trump, claiming political bias.
The settlement may indicate leniency toward crypto figures accused of past crimes. It also highlights the role of political ties and early crypto adoption in high-profile cases.
