Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind the Silk Road marketplace, has come to the defense of Roger Ver, also known as the “Bitcoin Jesus,” following his recent arrest in Spain for alleged Bitcoin tax fraud. Ver, a prominent early investor in Bitcoin, was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly committing tax violations amounting to $50 million.
According to federal prosecutors, Ver is accused of underreporting his Bitcoin gains and failing to file the correct tax returns. Despite vehemently denying the charges and claiming government overreach, Ver now faces the possibility of spending up to 20 years behind bars if convicted on the three counts of mail fraud, two counts of tax evasion, and three counts of false tax returns.
Ulbricht, who himself spent over a decade in prison for his involvement in the Silk Road operation before being pardoned by former President Donald Trump, took to Twitter to express his support for Ver. He emphasized the importance of standing by Ver in his time of need, highlighting the need for solidarity within the crypto community.
The case against Ver has sparked outrage among crypto advocates, with many questioning the severity of the charges and calling for a more lenient approach. Crypto lawyer James Murphy, known as MetaLawMan, echoed Ulbricht’s sentiments, suggesting that the Biden administration’s crackdown on crypto may be influencing the prosecution of Ver.
In a tweet, MetaLawMan pointed out the unusual nature of prosecuting someone for tax violations a decade after renouncing their citizenship and expressed hope that the Justice Department would reconsider its case against Ver. He emphasized the importance of allowing Ver to settle any tax obligations and move on from the ordeal without facing excessive punishment.
As the crypto community rallies behind Ver, the outcome of his case remains uncertain. With support from figures like Ulbricht and MetaLawMan, Ver may have a fighting chance in challenging the allegations against him and seeking a fair resolution to the tax fraud charges. Only time will tell how this high-profile case will unfold and what implications it may have for the wider crypto industry.