Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” is reportedly near a $48 million settlement with US prosecutors. An end to a decade-long tax fraud case?

Roger Ver may be close to ending his long legal dispute with the US government. Reports from the New York Times show that Ver, who was once nicknamed “Bitcoin Jesus,” has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice.

According to sources familiar with the case, Ver will pay about $48 million to resolve the matter. 

If he fulfils the conditions of the deal, the charges could be dropped entirely. The arrangement has not yet been filed in court, which means that details could still change.

How the Roger Ver Case Began

Roger Ver’s legal troubles started when prosecutors accused him of hiding Bitcoin holdings to avoid paying the “exit tax.” This tax applies to Americans who renounce their citizenship.

Individuals in this category are required to pay capital gains on worldwide assets as if they had sold them.

🚨“BITCOIN JESUS” STRIKES $48M DEAL WITH DOJ

Roger Ver will pay $48M to settle a tax evasion case under a deferred prosecution deal. pic.twitter.com/tXfYBtICIh

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) October 9, 2025

Ver, who became a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis in 2014, was accused of undervaluing his Bitcoin at the time of expatriation. By doing so, authorities claimed that he avoided paying millions in taxes.

In 2024, Spanish authorities arrested him on a US warrant on grounds of tax fraud worth $48 million. Since then, Ver has publicly criticised the case, and called it politically motivated.

Roger Ver’s Crypto Role

Roger Ver rose to fame in Bitcoin’s early years as one of its biggest evangelists. His early investments in startups like BitPay, Kraken and Blockchain.com earned him both wealth and influence in the crypto space.

Later, he became one of the most vocal supporters of Bitcoin Cash after the 2017 hard fork. 

He also famously argued that it better fulfilled Bitcoin’s original purpose as a P2P cash system.

Political Influence Behind the Settlement

The settlement also sheds light on Ver’s deep political connections. Public records show that he spent $600,000 on lobbying efforts led by Roger Stone.

These efforts aimed to eliminate the exit tax and raise awareness about his case among lawmakers. 

Ver also hired Trump-linked lawyers, including David Schoen and Christopher Kise. Schoen defended Trump during his impeachment trial, while Kise remains one of his senior legal advisers.

The Changing U.S. Approach to Crypto

Roger Ver’s settlement fits into a pattern. The Trump administration has been rolling back several decisions enacted under President Biden’s tenure.

Earlier this year, Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace. He also pardoned several BitMEX co-founders who were convicted of money laundering violations. 

Reports also indicate that Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is seeking a full pardon after paying a $50 million fine and stepping down as CEO in 2023.

Analysts believe that this represents a change in strategy. Instead of blanket enforcement, the new policy seems to favor negotiated settlements and case-by-case reviews.

Roger Ver Back in the Spotlight

For many in the crypto community, the news puts Roger Ver back in the spotlight. Ver was once hailed as the face of Bitcoin’s early adoption wave. He later became a divisive figure due to his outspoken support for Bitcoin Cash.

His latest legal chapter has divided opinions again. Some investors view the $48 million payment as a smart way to close the long dispute. Others see it as a retreat from his former anti-establishment image.

Despite the controversy, Ver’s still holds a great deal of influence. His early advocacy played a major part in promoting Bitcoin adoption worldwide. Moreso, his case continues to show the tipped balance between government regulation and crypto freedom.