Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus” and the founder of Bitcoin Cash, has been arrested in Spain on charges of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns. Ver faces extradition to the US for trial.
Alleged $48 Million IRS Loss Revealed in Ver’s Indictment
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed an indictment accusing Ver of fraudulent activities related to his companies and personal Bitcoin holdings. The charges stem from actions dating back to 2011, involving Ver’s companies MemoryDealers.com Inc. and Agilestar.com Inc.
Failure to Report Capital Gains After Renouncing US Citizenship
Ver allegedly failed to report capital gains and pay exit tax on his significant Bitcoin assets after renouncing his US citizenship in 2014. By 2014, Ver and his companies reportedly owned about 131,000 BTC, valued at approximately $871 each at the time.
Allegations of Providing False Information and Undervaluing Assets
Ver is accused of providing false information to a law firm and an appraiser, resulting in the undervaluation of his companies and omission of his personal Bitcoin ownership in tax returns. In 2017, Ver allegedly sold around 70,000 bitcoins for approximately $240 million without reporting gains or paying taxes on them.
IRS Claims Loss of $48 Million Due to Ver’s Actions
The IRS asserts a loss of at least $48 million due to Ver’s alleged tax evasion and fraudulent activities. The case is being handled by the IRS Criminal Investigation’s cybercrimes unit, with prosecution led by officials from the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the US Attorney’s office.
Prosecution Team and Further Details
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Matthew J. Kluge, Trial Attorney Peter J. Anthony, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James C. Hughes, under the announcement of Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and US Attorney Martin Estrada.
