In a surprising show of support, Marla Maples, the second ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, is calling for an end to the prosecution of Roger Ver, a prominent figure in the Bitcoin community often referred to as “Bitcoin Jesus.” Her remarks were made through a recent post on social media, sharing a video that advocates for Ver’s defense and tagging influential figures such as Trump and Elon Musk.
The legal troubles started for Roger Ver when the Department of Justice announced charges against him in April 2024, citing allegations of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns. Ver is accused of concealing his Bitcoin holdings at the time he renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, and subsequently failing to report a staggering $48 million in profits from these assets, which he allegedly concealed from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Marla Maples has a history with Donald Trump, as they were married between 1993 and 1999 and share one daughter, Tiffany Trump. While she has long been involved in philanthropy, her recent outreach on behalf of Ver highlights a growing concern among various high-profile supporters regarding the implications of his prosecution. Notably, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road marketplace, have also voiced their support for Ver, questioning the legitimacy of the charges against him.
Roger Ver claims that he is a victim of “lawfare” and is appealing to Trump for a pardon. Despite these assertions, Trump and his administration have not publicly responded to Ver’s requests. On the other hand, Musk has dismissed the idea of a pardon, remarking that Ver’s decision to abandon his U.S. citizenship carries consequences.
- Ver was arrested in Spain following the U.S. indictment.
- He was later released on bail with conditions to remain in Spain.
- Maples’ involvement in advocating for Ver’s case underscores the controversy surrounding cryptocurrency regulations.
- The prosecution is viewed by some as an overreach by government authorities, especially in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.
In December 2024, Ver’s legal team attempted to dismiss the case on the grounds that the charges were unconstitutional, disputing the clarity of IRS regulations as they apply to cryptocurrencies. This ongoing legal battle not only impacts Ver but also raises broader questions about how cryptocurrency holders are treated under U.S. tax law.
As more influential voices join the call for justice in this case, it remains to be seen how the prosecution will proceed and whether Ver will receive the support he desires from key political figures.
