**The Fall of “Bitcoin Jesus”: Former Crypto Evangelist Faces Fraud Charges**
LA News Center – The world of cryptocurrency has been shaken by the arrest of Roger Keith Ver, the self-proclaimed “Bitcoin Jesus,” who faces multiple charges of fraud and tax evasion.
From Crypto Champion to Alleged Fraudster
Ver, once a fervent advocate of Bitcoin, was apprehended in Spain last weekend. Once a resident of California and now of Tokyo, he faces a federal indictment with three counts of mail fraud, two counts of tax evasion, and three counts of subscription to a false tax return.
Ver’s early investment in Bitcoin made him a millionaire. As the cryptocurrency gained prominence, he promoted it heavily online, earning him the moniker “Bitcoin Jesus.” However, his path has taken a sharp turn, leading to his arrest.
Tax Evasion Allegations
According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Ver allegedly failed to properly report capital gains from Bitcoin sales and transfers. Despite obtaining citizenship in St. Kitts in 2014 and renouncing his U.S. citizenship, he was still legally obligated to report his transactions to the IRS.
The DOJ alleges that Ver withheld information about Bitcoin transfers and sales from his accountant and did not report any gain or pay taxes on them in his 2017 individual return. Authorities claim that his actions resulted in a loss of at least million to the IRS.
If convicted, Ver faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each mail fraud count, five years for each tax evasion count, and three years for each count of subscribing to a false tax return.
Contradictions and Controversies
Ver’s arrest has raised questions about the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and the tax implications for investors. His past efforts to attract wealthy investors to St. Kitts, touting its lack of taxes, have also come under scrutiny.
The case is a testament to the potential pitfalls that can accompany the rapidly evolving world of digital assets. As cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, investors and regulatory bodies alike are navigating uncharted territory, facing challenges and uncertainties along the way.
