Bitcoin pioneer and author of 'Hijacking Bitcoin,' Roger Ver, has been held in a legal limbo for nearly eight months, awaiting a decision on extradition from Spain. Amid accusations of tax fraud by the U.S. government, influential voices in the crypto community have rallied to support Ver, urging an end to the 'lawfare' and unjust targeting of economic innovators.
Arrest and Allegations
Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor and angel investor known as 'Bitcoin Jesus,' has been in a state of uncertainty following his arrest in Barcelona at the request of the U.S. DOJ last April. Ver claims he is being unfairly targeted for his political views despite his efforts to comply with IRS demands after renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2014. The DOJ alleges that Ver owes $48 million in taxes due to 'false tax returns' undervaluing his businesses and bitcoins.
Crypto Community Support
The crypto community has been vocal in its support for Ver. Prominent figures such as Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson and renowned biologist Bret Weinstein have recently added their voices to the FREEROGER open letter, which has garnered over 2,744 signatures. The letter calls on the U.S. government to stop unfair prosecution.
Political Climate and Crypto Activists
Activists are appealing to politicians to take notice of Ver's case and other crypto activists like Ross Ulbricht, who has been incarcerated for over 40 years. Despite skepticism about the efficacy of political appeals, community members hope to highlight the challenges faced by innovators.
Roger Ver's case illustrates the difficulties faced by innovators in the crypto world. His plight is of concern to the crypto community, while the FREEROGER letter symbolizes their solidarity in the quest for justice.
