TLDR
- Roger Ver, who renounced US citizenship in 2014, faces a potential 109-year prison sentence for tax evasion and seeks Trump’s pardon
- Elon Musk opposes Ver’s pardon request, citing his renunciation of US citizenship
- Ver is charged with failing to report Bitcoin ownership to the IRS, resulting in $48M loss
- Trump recently pardoned Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht after 12 years in prison
- Industry figures like Jameson Lopp support Musk’s stance against Ver’s pardon request
Early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver faces strong opposition to his request for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, as he attempts to avoid a potential 109-year prison sentence for tax-related charges. The controversy has drawn attention from major tech figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who publicly opposed Ver’s bid for clemency.
Ver took to social media platform X on January 26, 2025, posting a video message directed at former President Trump. In his appeal, Ver stated, “Mr. President, I am an American, and I need your help. Only you, with your commitment to justice, can save me.”
Mr. President, I am an American, and I need your help. Only you, with your commitment to justice, can save me @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/WhVTZ1M1GB
— Roger Ver (@rogerkver) January 26, 2025
The request comes shortly after Trump’s pardoning of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, who had served 12 years of a combined sentence of two life terms plus 40 years without parole. Ulbricht’s release has sparked debate about potential pardons for other cryptocurrency-related cases.
Elon Musk, who is set to lead Trump’s DOGE agency, responded firmly to Ver’s request on X. “Roger Ver gave up his US citizenship. No pardon for Ver. Membership has its privileges,” Musk wrote, highlighting Ver’s 2014 decision to renounce his American citizenship.
Casa’s Chief Security Officer, Jameson Lopp, echoed Musk’s position, questioning Ver’s claim to American identity. “You aren’t an American any more. Remember when you renounced your citizenship?” Lopp posted on X.
Roger Ver gave up his US citizenship. No pardon for Ver. Membership has its privileges.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2025
Ver’s legal troubles stem from charges filed by the US Department of Justice in 2024. According to the DOJ, Ver failed to properly report his Bitcoin holdings to the Internal Revenue Service, resulting in a loss of at least $48 million in tax revenue.
The charges led to Ver’s arrest in Spain in April 2024, where he faced allegations of filing false tax returns and tax evasion. These charges came after Ver had already established citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, following his 2014 renunciation of US citizenship.
On his personal website, Ver has maintained his innocence, claiming the charges are retaliatory. He states that he has been “terrorized by rogue US government agents who hate American freedom” for decades, characterizing the tax evasion and false filing charges as “baseless” and politically motivated.
American author Bret Weinstein offered a different perspective on the situation, suggesting that pardoning Ver could serve as a political message. Weinstein wrote on X that “pardoning Roger is the strongest signal the President could send that Biden’s war on crypto is over.”
Ver’s case has drawn particular attention due to his early involvement in the cryptocurrency industry. As an early Bitcoin investor, Ver played a notable role in the crypto ecosystem’s development before his legal troubles began.
The timing of Ver’s pardon request follows Trump’s recent pattern of clemency actions related to cryptocurrency cases, most notably the Ulbricht pardon. However, Ver’s renunciation of US citizenship has emerged as a central point of contention in the debate over his pardon worthiness.
The Department of Justice’s case against Ver focuses specifically on his alleged failure to report Bitcoin holdings during his time as a US citizen. The $48 million figure represents the estimated tax loss to the US government based on these unreported assets.
Ver’s current citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis, obtained through the country’s citizenship by investment program, has complicated his legal situation. His 2014 decision to renounce US citizenship occurred before the current charges were filed.
The case has highlighted the complex intersection of cryptocurrency, taxation, and citizenship rights. Ver’s appeal comes at a time of increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency-related tax compliance by US authorities.
Local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate Ver’s case, with additional details expected to emerge as legal proceedings continue. The DOJ maintains that the investigation is ongoing, with potential for additional charges based on new findings.
