Roger Ver Allegedly Linked to $8.62 Billion Bitcoin Transaction on Independence Day

A massive movement of 80,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $8.62 billion, has sent shockwaves through the crypto space, with onchain analyst Sani, founder of Time Chain Index, attributing the transactions to early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver.

The transfers, which occurred on July 4, 2025, coinciding with Independence Day in the United States, have sparked speculation about Ver’s intentions, particularly given his ongoing legal battle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and his history as a polarizing figure in crypto. This significant financial maneuver, if indeed orchestrated by Ver, could signal his resolve to leverage his substantial wealth in his fight against extradition and tax evasion charges.

The transactions began with a 40,000 BTC transfer from addresses dormant for 14 years, followed by additional movements of 10,000 BTC increments throughout the morning, culminating in a final 10,000 BTC transfer from an address holding 10,009 BTC. Sani, who tracked the activity over 10 hours, expressed 99.99% certainty that Ver, often dubbed “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early advocacy, was behind the moves. The timing of the transactions on Independence Day, a holiday symbolizing freedom, adds a layer of intrigue, potentially reflecting Ver’s libertarian ideals or a strategic message to the market amid his legal struggles.

Ver’s Legal and Financial Context

Roger Ver’s history is marked by bold financial and ideological decisions, including his 2014 renunciation of U.S. citizenship for Saint Kitts and Nevis, driven by libertarian beliefs and tax considerations. This move triggered an IRS “exit tax” obligation, requiring him to report capital gains on his worldwide assets, including an alleged 131,000 BTC held by him and his companies, MemoryDealers and Agilestar. In 2024, Ver was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for tax evasion, accused of concealing Bitcoin sales. Arrested in Spain in April 2024 while attending a crypto conference, Ver was released on bail but is forced to remain in Spain on house arrest, fighting extradition as a critical hearing in the United States which is coming up soon.

The scale of the recent Bitcoin transactions suggests Ver retains significant crypto holdings, potentially positioning him among the wealthiest individuals in the world. Supporters, including Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz and a grassroots campaign at FreeRogerNow.org with close to 100,000 signatures, argue that the charges are politically motivated, targeting Ver for his outspoken advocacy of Bitcoin’s decentralizing potential.

The Independence Day timing of the 80,000 BTC transfer may carry symbolic weight, aligning with Ver’s public narrative of resisting government overreach. Whether this move is a strategic flex of financial power, a preparatory step for legal defense, or simply a portfolio adjustment remains unclear. Ver’s legal team has challenged the constitutionality of the IRS’s exit tax and accused prosecutors of withholding evidence, signaling a robust defense strategy.