Controversial Crypto Advocate Challenges Extradition to Face Financial Crime Charges Abroad

Roger Ver has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit in Spain against the Spanish government, seeking to avoid extradition to the United States. The move is a last-ditch effort by the outspoken crypto advocate to halt his impending extradition and face financial crime charges back home.

Ver, once known as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early and passionate support of Bitcoin, has been under arrest in Spain since earlier this year. He was apprehended at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport after returning from a trip abroad, following a request from the United States for his extradition. However, Ver is now fighting back against the Spanish authorities’ decision to proceed with the extradition, citing violations of both Spanish and European Union law.

According to court documents, Ver claims that the charges brought against him are “politically motivated” and aim to intimidate individuals who choose to exit the U.S. tax system. His legal team argues that the indictment is retroactive, raising complex questions about tax jurisdiction.

In 2017, while still a U.S. citizen, Ver allegedly sold roughly $240 million worth of Bitcoin without reporting the transaction or paying capital gains taxes. Prosecutors argue that he knowingly concealed ownership of crypto assets and misled tax authorities. If found guilty, Ver could face decades in prison.

The case is set to have far-reaching implications for the global cryptocurrency community, particularly as European courts are increasingly asked to handle financial crimes with international reach.

Source: fullycrypto.com