Roger Ver could pay the government $48 million to avoid going to prison
Roger Ver, the early Bitcoin investor known in crypto circles as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has reportedly reached a deal with the US Department of Justice to settle his tax evasion case.
According to a report from The New York Times, Ver’s legal team negotiated an agreement that would have him pay roughly $48 million in back taxes to avoid serving prison time. The deal, while not yet reflected on public court records, could bring an end to a high-profile case that’s drawn global attention since his indictment in 2024.
Federal prosecutors charged Ver with mail fraud and tax evasion, alleging he failed to report and pay taxes on massive Bitcoin holdings tied to his companies, MemoryDealers and Agilestar. In 2014, those entities allegedly held around 131,000 BTC, worth billions today.
The Justice Department claimed Ver tried to dodge US taxes by renouncing his citizenship and relocating to St. Kitts and Nevis. Despite becoming a foreign citizen, prosecutors argued he was still required to pay taxes on certain financial distributions.
Ver was arrested in Spain in 2024 following the indictment, but quickly posted bail and fought extradition. His legal strategy included hiring prominent attorneys and political consultants with ties to former US President Donald Trump.
Reports indicate that Ver paid $600,000 to political adviser Roger Stone to lobby for favorable tax policy changes that might ease his situation.
The tentative settlement comes amid speculation that Ver might still seek a presidential pardon. Crypto advocates, including Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, have voiced support for leniency, arguing that the case represents government overreach.
Ver’s official website now hosts an open letter and petition urging US authorities to drop the charges entirely, framing the case as retaliation for his outspoken Bitcoin advocacy. If finalized, the agreement would close one of the most talked-about legal sagas in crypto history.
