DOJ Dismisses Charges in Roger Ver Bitcoin Jesus Tax Settlement Case

Roger Ver, early Bitcoin and cryptocurrency advocate, widely known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has finalized a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice that brings an end to his tax evasion case. The DOJ announced on Tuesday that it filed to dismiss the indictment against Ver after he entered a deferred prosecution agreement and paid nearly $50 million in back taxes, penalties, and interest to the IRS. This resolution follows our report from last week that the two sides were close to an agreement on the matter.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted Ver’s acceptance of responsibility in the announcement, noting the substantial penalty involved. Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014 and became a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, faced charges related to failing to report his Bitcoin holdings during that process. Prosecutors estimated the omission led to a $16.9 million loss for the government.

Details of the Agreement and Case Background

The deferred prosecution agreement means the charges will not proceed as long as Roger Ver complies with its terms, effectively allowing him to avoid a trial and potential prison time. He was arrested in Spain in April 2024 and faced extradition to the United States on allegations of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns. The investigation stemmed from work by the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, which uncovered discrepancies in Ver’s reporting of assets tied to his investments in Bitcoin related companies.

The DOJ agreement arrives amid a shift in the Trump administration’s approach to cryptocurrency enforcement, with several high-profile cases seeing reduced pursuit. The DOJ’s decision to resolve the matter through payment rather than litigation reflects a pragmatic turn, focusing on recovery of funds over prolonged court battles. Ver’s payment of $49.9 million covers the assessed back taxes and related costs, closing a chapter that had drawn significant attention from the crypto world.

In a statement shared on social media via spokesperson Tracy Thurman, Ver expressed relief at the dismissal and gratitude toward the Trump administration for its handling of the case. He also thanked supporters who stood by him throughout the ordeal, emphasizing a desire to move forward. The resolution spares Ver further legal entanglements, allowing him to refocus on his ventures in the digital asset sector.

Ver’s case highlights the evolving scrutiny on cryptocurrency taxation, particularly for individuals who expatriate while holding substantial digital assets. As the U.S. government refines its stance on crypto reporting, this agreement serves as a benchmark for how such disputes might play out. With the indictment now set for dismissal, Ver can return his attention to advocacy, potentially influencing ongoing debates about freedom technology and revolutionary networks shaping the future of crypto.