Roger Ver, a cryptocurrency billionaire known as "Bitcoin Jesus," narrowly avoided prison thanks to his connections with President Donald Trump's inner circle. In 2024, Ver was indicted on charges of tax evasion and money laundering related to his cryptocurrency dealings. The Justice Department had been pursuing him for years, but Trump's administration intervened just days before the election.
Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, posted a video on social media pleading for help from Trump, which caught the attention of Christopher Kise, a seasoned defense lawyer and former Trump attorney. Kise worked with Ver's team to negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement that would allow him to avoid prison in exchange for a $49.9 million payment.
The unusual deal was facilitated by Kise's connections within the Justice Department, including his relationship with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Deputy Attorney General Ketan Bhirud. In the end, Ver agreed to admit only to "willful" failure to report and pay taxes on all his bitcoin, a move that has been criticized as undermining the integrity of the tax system.
The deal marked a significant departure from previous administrations' approach to tax enforcement, which typically results in prison time for those convicted of tax evasion. The Justice Department's willingness to cut Ver a break is seen by many as an example of Trump's influence over the department and its willingness to prioritize his allies.
Ver's case has raised concerns about the erosion of white-collar criminal enforcement under the Trump administration. Critics argue that the deal sends a message that wealthy individuals can buy their way out of accountability, while others may not be so fortunate. The incident highlights the extent to which Trump's inner circle is able to shape policy and influence the Justice Department's decisions.
As one former federal tax prosecutor noted, "People always ask you, 'Can't I just pay the taxes and it'll go away?' The common answer that everybody gave — until the Trump administration — was that, no, you can't do that." Ver's case has changed that narrative.
Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014, posted a video on social media pleading for help from Trump, which caught the attention of Christopher Kise, a seasoned defense lawyer and former Trump attorney. Kise worked with Ver's team to negotiate a deferred prosecution agreement that would allow him to avoid prison in exchange for a $49.9 million payment.
The unusual deal was facilitated by Kise's connections within the Justice Department, including his relationship with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Deputy Attorney General Ketan Bhirud. In the end, Ver agreed to admit only to "willful" failure to report and pay taxes on all his bitcoin, a move that has been criticized as undermining the integrity of the tax system.
The deal marked a significant departure from previous administrations' approach to tax enforcement, which typically results in prison time for those convicted of tax evasion. The Justice Department's willingness to cut Ver a break is seen by many as an example of Trump's influence over the department and its willingness to prioritize his allies.
Ver's case has raised concerns about the erosion of white-collar criminal enforcement under the Trump administration. Critics argue that the deal sends a message that wealthy individuals can buy their way out of accountability, while others may not be so fortunate. The incident highlights the extent to which Trump's inner circle is able to shape policy and influence the Justice Department's decisions.
As one former federal tax prosecutor noted, "People always ask you, 'Can't I just pay the taxes and it'll go away?' The common answer that everybody gave — until the Trump administration — was that, no, you can't do that." Ver's case has changed that narrative.
this whole thing is just mind-boggling... think about it - a billionaire like Roger Ver basically buys his way out of prison with a payment that's less than 1% of the value of his cryptocurrency holdings 
and people are already calling it a game-changer in the way the Justice Department approaches tax enforcement? It's like, what even is the point of having laws if you can just bribe your way out of them? 
and I'm not buying the "he renounced his citizenship" excuse - that's just not a valid reason for him to avoid paying taxes in the first place 
like i know trump's all about making deals but this is crazy rich dude gets tax evasion & money laundering charges and then just pays up and skates free 
and the thing is it's not even like he got caught red handed or anything, it was just a bunch of paperwork to get out of it 
and the whole point is that anyone else trying to do this would be facing prison time which is just not right 
. Can't believe the gov't is giving him a free pass just 'cause his pals are connected 
anywys i feel bad 4 him bc he did mess up w/ taxes n money laundering, but at the same time its sus how his fam's connections helped him wriggle outta trouble 
i mean u gotta wonder if this was just a way 2 show trump's influence n power over the justice dept 
the whole thing feels kinda corrupt rn
... I mean, shouldn't everyone have to follow the rules and pay their taxes equally? But hey, if you've got deep pockets and connections, it seems like you can just buy your way out of trouble 
his connections with trump must be super strong or something like 5 mil is a lot of cash but its not worth sacrificing integrity and the rule of law imo 
. Anyway, I'll believe it when I see a real investigation into Trump's influence on the Justice Department... till then, I'm skeptical 
.