Trump Pardons BitMEX Founders: Speculations Grow Around Roger Ver’s Future
By Alexey Borovets
March 29, 2025 at 8:03 PM UTC
In a significant recent development, former President Donald Trump has granted pardons to the founders of BitMEX, raising questions about whether Roger Ver, often referred to as ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ could be next in line for clemency. This action has reignited discussions in the cryptocurrency community about Ver’s ongoing legal battles, particularly his outstanding tax charges which could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
The Crypto Community Reacts
Notable figures in the crypto sphere, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, and media personality Tucker Carlson, have voiced their support for Ver’s potential pardon. Ver faces charges related to an alleged failure to pay up to $48 million in taxes. Following his renouncement of U.S. citizenship in 2014, he believed he could sidestep prosecution, but his legal troubles returned to the forefront after his arrest in Spain in 2024. The past week saw significant attention as Trump pardoned BitMEX’s co-founders—Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo, and Samuel Reed—who were previously convicted for money laundering and failing to adhere to regulatory standards. The trio had been criticized for turning BitMEX into a platform allegedly conducive to money laundering but have since been granted a fresh start, leading many to speculate whether Ver could expect similar treatment.
Ver’s Controversial History
Roger Ver’s history as a vocal advocate for Bitcoin dates back to the cryptocurrency’s nascent days. Deeply involved in e-commerce and libertarian circles, Ver’s early ventures included promoting Bitcoin and investing in numerous successful blockchain-themed companies. However, his journey has been marked by controversy. In 2001, Ver faced a prison sentence for selling unlicensed firecrackers, an experience that cemented his disdain for government overreach and shaped his future endeavors, including voicing fervent support for Bitcoin as a tool for personal and financial freedom.
In 2014, following years of tension with U.S. authorities, Ver became a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis, asserting that he had to renounce his U.S. citizenship due to relentless targeting by government forces.
An Uphill Legal Battle
Ver’s recent legal complications stem from an indictment in April 2024 concerning tax evasion and mail fraud. Prosecutors allege that he evaded an "exit tax" on a substantial Bitcoin holding when he left the U.S. and provided misleading information regarding his tax obligations. Ver, however, firmly denies all allegations, claiming that any issues related to his taxes were misunderstandings, not intentional deceit.
His legal team has been active in challenging the charges on various grounds, arguing that the exit tax effectively creates an unconstitutional burden. They claim that many countries do not impose such taxes and that the prosecution is politically motivated.
The legal intricacies surrounding the case have garnered widespread attention, with influential figures like Buterin advocating for reform. He argues that non-violent tax offenses should not warrant such severe consequences as life imprisonment.
The Pardon Possibility for Bitcoin Jesus
Trump’s history of pardoning individuals from various backgrounds has led to speculation about Ver’s future. Following the pardon granted to Ross Ulbricht, Trump hinted at possibly extending similar clemency to Ver, especially given his prominent role in promoting Bitcoin. However, expectations diminished recently when Elon Musk commented on social media that Ver’s earlier decision to renounce U.S. citizenship could hinder any potential pardon.
Despite the uncertainty, Ver remains a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency world, with many advocates rallying for his release. Supporters have taken to social media platforms to bolster the #FreeRoger movement, arguing that no one should face a lifetime in prison over tax-related charges.
As the cryptocurrency community watches closely, the question lingers: will Roger Ver be pardoned, or does he face an uphill legal battle that may define the next chapter of his life? The outcome remains uncertain, but the discourse around Bitcoin, liberty, and government regulation continues to evolve.
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