Roger Ver, known as 'Bitcoin Jesus,' has agreed to pay nearly $50 million to the U.S. government to resolve charges of tax evasion on his bitcoin holdings. The deal avoids prison time for the early cryptocurrency promoter who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014. The agreement still needs court approval.
Roger Ver, an early advocate for bitcoin often called 'Bitcoin Jesus,' reached a tentative agreement on October 14, 2025, with the U.S. Justice Department to pay $49.9 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest. This settlement addresses federal charges that he evaded taxes on tens of millions of dollars by failing to report his bitcoin holdings before leaving the United States.
Ver began acquiring bitcoins in 2011 and became a prominent promoter of the cryptocurrency. In March 2014, he renounced his U.S. citizenship. Due to his substantial net worth, he was required to file expatriation tax returns and pay capital gains taxes on his worldwide assets, including bitcoins. However, when he filed his returns in May 2016, Ver did not disclose all his bitcoins or pay the required taxes on their constructive sale, leading to a reported loss of over $16.8 million to the U.S. government.
Ver was arrested in Spain last year while prosecutors sought his extradition. In January 2025, he publicly appealed to President Donald Trump for assistance, describing the case as politically motivated and warning of a potential 100-year prison sentence.
Under the deal, which requires court approval in Los Angeles federal court, Ver admits to the failures in his tax reporting. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated, “Mr. Ver is accepting responsibility for his actions and has agreed to pay a substantial penalty. Every person, whether you’re a millionaire or not, is required by law to pay taxes, and we will not hesitate to hold anyone accountable.”
The resolution highlights ongoing scrutiny of cryptocurrency investors' tax obligations, particularly those involving expatriation.