In a remarkable turn of events, Ross Ulbricht, the recently pardoned Silk Road creator, has called upon the community to support Roger Ver, famously dubbed ‘Bitcoin Jesus’, who is currently facing severe legal challenges in the form of tax evasion charges. These charges stem from US authorities alleging that Ver underreported capital gains from Bitcoin sales back in 2014.
Ulbricht, who spent 12 years in prison for his involvement in the Silk Road, stated in his recent communication that Ver was instrumental in advocating for him during his incarceration. “Roger Ver was there for me when I was down and needed help. Now Roger needs our support,” Ulbricht expressed in his statement. His appeal emphasizes the moral obligation to not let anyone spend a lifetime behind bars over tax-related issues. In Ulbricht’s view, the appropriate action would be for Ver to pay any taxes due, rather than facing a life sentence.
Ver’s legal troubles began with his arrest in Spain last April, where he was charged with multiple offenses, including filing false tax returns and fraud. According to the US Department of Justice, the allegations accuse Ver of attempting to evade a significant IRS exit tax after renouncing his US citizenship in favor of Japanese nationality in 2014. The situation deepened as authorities claim he concealed 131,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $240 million at the time, leading to a reported tax shortfall of $48 million.
This situation raises serious questions about the legal complexities surrounding cryptocurrency transactions and their taxation. Notably, Ver has denied the accusations, citing obstacles that hindered his attempt to file a proper exit tax request, particularly during a time when liquid markets for Bitcoin were scarce. He pursued the dismissal of the charges, deeming the US exit tax laws unconstitutional and vague.
Further complicating Ver’s plea for freedom, he has publicly reached out to former US President Donald Trump for assistance, claiming that only Trump’s commitment to justice could save him from the impending legal consequences. “Mr. President, I am an American, and I need your help,” Ver pleaded in a recent video appearance.
As the landscape of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, Ver’s predicament serves as a crucial reminder of the implications of tax laws on digital assets and the potential for penalization in the complex world of cryptocurrencies. Will Ulbricht’s call for support gain traction in the community? Only time will tell.
