After Prison Release, Ross Ulbricht Champions Roger Ver’s Freedom
In a striking show of solidarity within the crypto community, Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road marketplace, has taken to rally support for Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor facing serious legal challenges with the IRS. Ulbricht’s message highlights Ver’s past support during Ulbricht’s own struggles and calls for leniency, arguing that no one should face a lifetime in prison over tax disputes. The post, which includes side-by-side images from 2014 and 2025 holding a “Free Roger” sign, has sparked widespread attention.
Ulbricht, who served over a decade in prison for his role in operating Silk Road—a platform infamous for facilitating both legal and illegal transactions using Bitcoin—was pardoned and released, partly due to public advocacy and shifting perspectives on his case. Now, he’s channeling that momentum to defend Ver, known in crypto circles as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early evangelism of the cryptocurrency.
Roger Ver was there for me when I was down and needed help. Now Roger needs our support.
— Ross Ulbricht (@RealRossU) February 20, 2025
No one should spend the rest of their life in prison over taxes. Let him pay the tax (if any) and be done with it. #FreeRoger pic.twitter.com/flP573hm0N
A Decade of Advocacy and Controversy
Ulbricht’s post urges a resolution where Ver pays any outstanding taxes and moves forward, a stance resonating with many in the crypto community who view the penalties as disproportionately harsh. The 2014 image shows Ver in Tokyo, wearing a Bitcoin t-shirt and holding a “Free Ross” sign with a QR code, asking to free Ross Ulbricht. By contrast, the 2025 photo captures Ulbricht in a more somber setting, holding a sign featuring Ver’s image and the same “Free Roger” message, underscoring over a decade long journey of advocacy. This parallel draws attention to the ongoing tensions between crypto pioneers and regulatory authorities, fueling discussions about justice and taxation.
Ver’s case has drawn comparisons to Ulbricht’s, with both figures becoming symbols of the broader clash between decentralized finance and traditional legal systems. While Ulbricht’s release has been celebrated by some as a victory for libertarian ideals, Ver’s situation remains unresolved, with his arrest in Spain and potential extradition to the U.S. looming large.