Roger Ver Sues Spain to Avoid U.S. Extradition
In a bold move, renowned Bitcoin advocate and entrepreneur Roger Ver has filed a lawsuit against the Spanish government in an attempt to block his extradition to the United States. The U.S. Justice Department has charged Ver with mail fraud and tax evasion linked to the sale of Bitcoin during his time as a U.S. citizen.
As reported by various sources, the indictment alleges that Ver sold roughly $240 million worth of Bitcoin in 2017 while still a U.S. citizen, failing to disclose the transaction or pay capital gains taxes. Prosecutors argue that Ver knowingly concealed ownership of crypto assets and misled tax authorities.
In his lawsuit, Ver has claimed that the charges are “politically motivated” and intended to intimidate individuals who choose to exit the U.S. tax system. This move is seen as a major escalation in Ver’s fight against extradition.
Ver, once known as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early and vocal support of the digital asset, has been living in Spain after renouncing his U.S. citizenship. His legal team has argued that the charges are retroactive, complex, and violate both Spanish and European Union law.
The lawsuit filed in a Madrid administrative court challenges the Spanish government’s decision to proceed with the extradition. The entrepreneur claims that he was not aware of any wrongdoing and had already left the U.S. when the alleged crimes took place.
This high-stakes legal battle has significant implications for the global cryptocurrency community, as it could set a precedent for how European courts handle crypto-related financial crimes with international reach.
Roger Ver’s legal team believes that Spain’s extradition treaty with the United States does not apply in this case, citing domestic legal standards and human rights agreements. They argue that any further action would be a breach of Spanish law and international treaties.
The U.S. has an extradition treaty with Spain, but it requires judicial review and compliance with local laws.
Source: fullycrypto.com