Roger Ver has openly sought assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump, voicing concerns that he might soon encounter extradition from Spain to the United States.
In a video shared on X, he declared that he could be sentenced to as much as 109 years in prison for what he referred to as “activism within cryptocurrency.”
The Appeal
Ver characterized himself as the initial investor in the Bitcoin ecosystem, highlighting his American background and the principles that ignited his enthusiasm for crypto. He expressed that he could soon be incarcerated in Spain and extradited to the U.S., potentially facing up to 109 years of imprisonment.
The Bitcoin advocate alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump authorities were employing “lawfare” to pursue him due to his political beliefs and support for crypto, drawing parallels between his circumstances and those faced by Trump.
He also noted that he renounced his citizenship in 2014 to evade governmental persecution, describing it as a heartbreaking choice compelled by those who disagreed with his convictions.
The video wrapped up with him emphasizing, “Please, Donald Trump, I need your help to win this lawsuit and allow me to return home so that I can assist you in making America great again.”
The 46-year-old’s journey with Bitcoin commenced in 2011 when the asset was valued below $1. In early interviews, he was quoted expressing his fascination with its ability to transform traditional financial frameworks.
During that period, he invested over $1 million into early-stage startups, including now-renowned companies like Blockchain.com, Kraken, and Ripple. His advocacy for the leading cryptocurrency earned him the moniker “Bitcoin Jesus” and established him as one of its most notable early supporters.
Bitcoin Jesus’ Legal Challenges
Ver relinquished his U.S. citizenship in 2014 and acquired citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Nevertheless, the law mandated him to submit tax returns and declare capital gains from the sale of his international assets, including Bitcoin.
The U.S. Department of Justice indicted him in April 2024 on accusations of mail fraud, tax evasion, and falsifying tax returns. Prosecutors asserted he defrauded the IRS of around $48 million by not reporting capital gains from his crypto investments.
He was subsequently arrested in Spain in May and released on bail with the condition that he stays in the country while awaiting potential extradition to the United States. However, the Bitcoin advocate’s legal team is disputing the charges, arguing that the U.S. tax regulations at that time lacked clear guidance for crypto innovators like him.
Trump, recognized for his recently adopted crypto-friendly stance, is now being urged to intervene in Ver’s legal struggle. The President recently granted clemency to Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, a personality revered within the crypto sphere.
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