Roger Ver Risks 109 Years In Prison: Vitalik Buterin Says STOP

The crypto world is currently witnessing an unprecedented mobilization in favor of Roger Ver, nicknamed “Bitcoin Jesus.” Accused of tax evasion by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Ver is facing possible extradition from Spain, where he risks 109 years in prison. This situation greatly displeases Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, who is taking a stand in favor of Roger Ver.

Vitalik Buterin demands the release of “Bitcoin Jesus”!

U.S. authorities allege that Roger Ver underreported the value of his bitcoin holdings during his “exit tax” in 2014, before renouncing his U.S. citizenship. They estimate that he owes about $48 million in back taxes related to his BTC holdings and U.S.-based companies. If extradited and found guilty, Ver faces up to 109 years in prison.

This situation has sparked strong reactions within the crypto community. Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road recently granted clemency by Donald Trump, expressed his support for Ver by stating, “No one should spend the rest of their life in prison because of taxes. Let him pay the tax (if there is one) and let’s be done with it.”

More recently, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, joined the calls for Ver’s release. Buterin described the case as “absurd” and “politically motivated,” criticizing the U.S. tax regime that taxes citizens based on their citizenship, a rare practice in the world. He also condemned the actions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if the allegations of Ver’s lawyers being intimidated for privileged information turn out to be true.

A law that violates the constitution?

Roger Ver, for his part, proclaims his innocence and asserts that the accusations are politically motivated due to his advocacy for cryptocurrencies. His lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the exit tax law for American citizens holding more than $2 million in assets is vague and violates the U.S. Constitution.

This case thus highlights the growing tensions between cryptocurrency advocates and U.S. tax authorities. Moreover, it raises questions about the nature of convictions for economic crimes and the necessity for reforms in the U.S. tax system. The mobilization of influential figures like Vitalik Buterin emphasizes the importance of this debate for the future of crypto regulation and the associated financial freedoms.