Marla Maples Calls for Dismissal of Charges Against Bitcoin Advocate Roger Ver

Marla Maples, the second ex-wife of former US President Donald Trump, has publicly called for the dismissal of charges against early Bitcoin advocate Roger Ver, also known as "Bitcoin Jesus." In a March 16 post on X, Maples shared a video from an organization supporting Ver’s cause and tagged Trump, Elon Musk, and US Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging an end to his prosecution. Ver was indicted by the US Department of Justice in April 2024 on charges of mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns. Authorities allege that Ver concealed his Bitcoin holdings when renouncing his US citizenship in 2014 and defrauded the IRS out of $48 million by failing to disclose profits from Bitcoin sales. He was arrested in Spain after the indictment and later granted bail under the condition that he remain in the country.

Maples, who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999 and shares a daughter, Tiffany Trump, has remained publicly supportive of the . Her stance on Ver aligns with that of other high-profile figures, including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht, who received a pardon from Trump in January. Ver has petitioned Trump for a pardon, claiming he is being unfairly targeted and is a victim of "lawfare." However, there has been no public response from Trump or the White House regarding his request. Meanwhile, Elon Musk dismissed the idea of a pardon in a January X post, stating that Ver “gave up his US citizenship” and that "membership has its privileges."

In December, Ver filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the charges were unconstitutional and that the IRS's "exit tax" for renounced citizens is ambiguous when applied to cryptocurrency. This legal battle highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the regulation and taxation of cryptocurrencies, as well as the potential for high-profile individuals to influence public opinion and legal outcomes. The case also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the legal system, particularly in cases involving complex financial transactions and emerging technologies.

The support from Maples and other influential figures underscores the growing public interest and debate surrounding cryptocurrencies and their regulation. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether Ver will receive a pardon or if the charges against him will be dismissed. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of cryptocurrency regulation and the legal treatment of individuals involved in the industry. The situation also highlights the potential for high-profile individuals to use their influence to shape public opinion and legal outcomes, raising important questions about the role of power and privilege in the legal system.