The cryptocurrency community and charitable beneficiaries speak out to defend Roger Ver, who is facing a 100-year prison sentence on tax fraud charges.
Roger Ver, the Bitcoin pioneer known as the "Bitcoin Jesus", is facing a grueling legal battle to avoid extradition from Spain to the US. The charges of tax fraud and filing false tax returns related to renouncing his US citizenship in 2014 could result in him facing up to 100 years in prison if convicted.
As Ver vehemently denies the allegations, claiming they are unconstitutional and politically motivated, many of the beneficiaries of his charitable activities have spoken out in his defense. Ver's legal team also alleges that the US government illegally accessed communications between him and his lawyers, violating his privacy during the investigation.
Unveiling Ver's anonymous philanthropic journey
Those who have received assistance from Ver have publicly shared stories about his generosity. Dan Akston from The Crypto Show revealed that Ver has made significant contributions to disaster relief efforts, including Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Maria in Florida, and the earthquake in Puebla, Mexico - efforts that Ver rarely publicized.
In 2021, Ver pledged $100,000 to support Island Academy, a non-profit school in Antigua facing financial crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bernadette Sherman, a representative of the school, confirmed that this support helped maintain educational operations during a difficult period.
In Nigeria, Ver has supported technology education programs for underprivileged youth. "If it wasn't for his help, this wouldn't have been possible," emphasized Zunnurayni Usman from the Tech Innovation Hub Nigeria.
Ethan Crelinston from the Jiu Jitsu B Team revealed that Ver fully funded the ACL surgery for a team member without seeking any recognition. Zahara Idries from Women Techmakers shared that Ver sponsored a career skills training program for women in technology, helping hundreds of individuals advance their careers.
In Antigua, Ver anonymously donated laptops, mobile phones, and funded the largest Christmas gift-giving program in the region's history, only later revealed by local organizations. He also provided financial support to a political activist in Nevada facing litigation in 2015.
A widow who was previously defrauded of her entire savings shared that Ver quietly covered her children's tuition after her husband's passing. "He didn't have to do any of these things - it all came from a genuine heart," she said.
As Ver's extradition hearing approaches, his supporters continue to advocate strongly, seeing this as a blatant injustice. Many libertarians, cryptocurrency experts, and individual rights advocates are pressuring President Donald Trump to issue a full pardon for the individual they view as a symbol of financial freedom and compassion.
