Bitcoin Cash (BCH) Backer Faces Tax Evasion Charges
A prominent early Bitcoin (BTC) investor, known for his support of Bitcoin Cash (BCH), has been arrested in Spain on allegations of evading $50 million in US taxes. Roger Ver, also known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” is facing charges that include mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns, as per a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Allegations Against Roger Ver
- Roger Ver is accused of evading $50 million worth of US taxes.
- He faces charges of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns.
- Ver is known for his support of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and is popularly called “Bitcoin Jesus.”
US Authorities Seek Extradition
The US authorities are seeking to extradite Roger Ver to face the charges in the United States. Ver, who renounced his US citizenship in 2014 after obtaining citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, is alleged to have owned significant amounts of Bitcoin around that time.
The DOJ’s Allegations Against Ver
- Ver allegedly obtained citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2014 and renounced his US citizenship.
- He owned two companies, MemoryDealers.com Inc. and Agilestar.com Inc., with substantial Bitcoin holdings.
- Ver is accused of providing false information to conceal the true amount of Bitcoin he owned.
Charges and Actions Against Ver
- Roger Ver allegedly took possession of 70,000 BTC from his companies in 2017 and sold a significant portion for cash.
- He is accused of not paying taxes on distributions from his companies even after renouncing his US citizenship.
- The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claims that Ver owes at least $48 million in taxes.
Ver’s Shift in Allegiance
Despite being an early supporter of Bitcoin, Roger Ver eventually switched his allegiance to Bitcoin Cash. In 2020, he criticized Bitcoin, referring to it as a “pyramid scheme.”
Closing Thoughts on Ver’s Arrest
Roger Ver’s arrest on allegations of tax evasion highlights the legal challenges faced by prominent figures in the crypto space. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with tax laws and regulations, even in the digital asset world.