Roger Ver Discusses Extradition Battle and Seeks Donald Trump's Help in CoinDesk Interview

Roger Ver, early Bitcoin pioneer, also known in crypto as "Bitcoin Jesus," gave an update in an interview with CoinDesk today. Currently residing in Spain, Ver faces extradition to the United States on alleged charges of tax evasion. His plea comes in the wake of his final appeal being denied in Spain, leaving extradition as the next likely step, where each day he is waiting for a knock on the door to take him away.

Ver's Defense Against Allegations

Ver vehemently denies the accusations leveled against him, framing them as part of a broader lawfare campaign by the Biden administration against cryptocurrency advocates. He maintains that his involvement in Bitcoin has been at the forefront of this persecution. "I'm 100% innocent of what I've been accused of by the Biden administration," Ver stated during his interview with CoinDesk. He insists he has not evaded taxes, highlighting his proactive approach to paying taxes on Bitcoin and his cooperation with tax professionals.

Roger Ver recounts his history with the U.S. government, including a previous jail sentence for selling firecrackers on eBay, which he believes set the tone for his current legal woes over the years. He also mentions being debanked in 2011 due to his Bitcoin activities, suggesting a pattern of governmental hostility towards him.

His stress is palpable as he describes living in constant fear of arrest, where even a simple delivery at his door sends his heart racing, mistaking it for the police. "Every time the doorbell rings or anytime my phone rings, I'm just terrified that this is the very last moment of freedom potentially for the rest of my life for stuff that I didn't even do," he shared.

Hope for a Trump Pardon

Looking towards the Trump administration, Ver is optimistic about receiving a preemptive pardon or seeing the charges dropped. He believes the current administration's focus on deregulation and support for entrepreneurship could favor his case. Ver sees this as an opportunity for the U.S. to signal to the world that it is once again "open for business," particularly in the field of cryptocurrency.

He also addresses critics like Elon Musk, who have questioned his eligibility for a pardon due to his renouncement of U.S. citizenship. Ver clarifies that presidential pardons can extend to non-citizens and argues for justice over legal technicalities.

A Call to Action

Ver extends a call for public support, urging people to stand up against what he perceives as an unjust targeting of crypto advocates. He references other cases like those of Roman Storm and Ian Freeman, suggesting a pattern of legal attacks on cryptocurrency figures. His message is clear: if innocent people aren't defended, no one will be safe when they are targeted.

In his appeal, Ver not only seeks personal exoneration but also aims to highlight the broader implications of government actions on innovation and freedom. His situation, he argues, is a litmus test for the U.S. commitment to liberty, truth, and justice. As he awaits potential extradition, Ver remains hopeful, eager to return to the U.S., where he believes he can contribute to its economic and technological renaissance through cryptocurrency.