“Bitcoin Jesus” Roger Ver, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, is fighting back against US tax evasion charges. His legal team is arguing the charges are politically motivated and represent an unconstitutional overreach by the government.
The Case Against Ver
In April, Ver was indicted on eight counts of criminal conduct, accused of failing to pay taxes on nearly $50 million in Bitcoin sales in 2017 and underreporting his crypto holdings in 2014. He was arrested in Barcelona in February while attending a crypto conference.
Legal Challenge and Claims of Overreach
Ver’s lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the indictment. They argue the charges are unconstitutional, violating both the 16th Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the 5th Amendment. They claim the indictment is “purely political” and exemplifies the government’s heavy-handed approach to regulating crypto without providing clear rules. This, they say, is a hallmark of the Biden administration’s strategy.
Hope for Dismissal Under Trump?
The timing of the motion is significant, as the US is transitioning to a new administration under President Donald Trump. Trump has indicated a more pro-crypto stance, leading Ver’s legal team to be optimistic about the case’s outcome. They believe the indictment could be dropped under the new administration.
Community Reaction and Concerns
Ver’s case has sparked outrage within the crypto community, who see it as an example of the US government prioritizing enforcement over clear regulations. Some legal experts, like civil rights attorney Robert Barnes, believe the indictment is an example of “lawfare” against the crypto industry – targeting individuals for political reasons rather than legitimate legal infractions.
