Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin evangelist and author of Hijacking Bitcoin, has been trapped in legal uncertainty for eight months in Spain. His arrest in April by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has sparked uproar among crypto enthusiasts who argue he’s being unfairly targeted. As accusations of tax fraud linger, the campaign to “Free Roger Now” is gaining momentum, driven by influential figures in the crypto and liberty spheres.
Known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” Ver is now reluctant to embrace that biblical nickname, preferring the image of a “Bitcoin Johnny Appleseed.” His arrest in Barcelona has made headlines, but his legal troubles date back much further. The DOJ claims Ver owes $48 million in taxes related to the alleged undervaluation of his companies and unreported Bitcoin holdings. What complicates matters further is Ver’s renunciation of his U.S. citizenship in 2014, after which he claims to have done his best to meet IRS requirements.
The case against Ver has raised eyebrows, not least because of its timing. Just weeks before his arrest, Ver published Hijacking Bitcoin, a book that pulls no punches in criticising how Bitcoin was transformed from Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision of peer-to-peer electronic cash into a cumbersome asset weighed down by slow transactions and high fees. Ver argues that Bitcoin Cash is the true continuation of Bitcoin’s original purpose, making this more than just a tax case in the eyes of his supporters.
The FREEROGER campaign, an open letter pushing for Ver’s release, has gathered 2,744 signatures at the time of writing. Big names have lent their voices, including Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, and biologist Bret Weinstein. Hoskinson took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support, describing Ver as a “tireless advocate in the early days of Bitcoin” and criticising the U.S. government’s delayed pursuit of tax claims. Hoskinson’s comments reflect the sentiment that Ver is being singled out for his anti-establishment views rather than genuine wrongdoing.
Weinstein, known for his frequent appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, framed the charges as a disturbing case of “lawfare”—a strategy where legal means are used to harass and silence political adversaries. He stressed that the charges could lead to a sentence of up to 109 years if Ver is convicted, despite many in the crypto community believing he committed no crime. The echo of past injustices is unmistakable, with comparisons being drawn to Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder serving a double life sentence plus 40 years. Ulbricht’s case remains a sore point for advocates of crypto freedom, and Ver’s ordeal is rekindling the sense of outrage.
Ver’s persecution has galvanised support from a broad spectrum of voices who share his vision of economic liberty. His famous quote, “And when I realized that Bitcoin has the potential to … undermine every government on the entire planet’s ability to wage war, I knew I had to get involved and start promoting Bitcoin full time,” captures his lifelong mission. Yet that mission has made him a high-profile target in a world where decentralised currency threatens the status quo.
Critics of the case suggest that the charges are less about tax discrepancies and more about punishing Ver for challenging the financial establishment. The crypto community is acutely aware of the stakes, as any crackdown on prominent advocates risks undermining the entire decentralised movement. Despite differing opinions on Bitcoin and its offshoots, many see this as a battle for the broader principle of economic freedom.
Supporters of Ver point out that targeting figures like him and Ulbricht sends a chilling message to those who dare to innovate outside traditional financial systems. While political appeals may seem like a long shot, the widespread advocacy underscores the community’s commitment to standing by its pioneers. The FREEROGER campaign isn’t just about one man’s legal woes; it’s a call to protect the values of decentralisation, peace, and voluntary interaction that inspired early adopters.
As crypto prices continue to reflect renewed optimism, the community remains vigilant. The future of digital currency may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle for financial sovereignty is far from over, and figures like Roger Ver are still at the heart of the struggle. The hope is that the legal limbo will end soon, but whether the outcome favours Ver or not, the crypto world is watching—and taking notes.
