Ripple CTO Accuses U.S. Authorities of Prolonged Targeting of Roger Ver

Ripple CTO says Roger Ver's legal troubles are part of a deeper, long-running campaign by U.S. authorities.

Fridah Kangai
June 9, 2025
1:34 pm

Fridah Kangai

Fridah Kangai is a dedicated crypto journalist with a sharp eye for market trends, blockchain innovation, and digital asset movements. She specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging stories for both seasoned investors and curious newcomers. With a passion for decentralization and a pulse on the ever-evolving crypto space, Fridah delivers timely, accurate, and insightful coverage. Her work bridges the gap between technology and everyday understanding in the world of cryptocurrency.

Ripple CTO says Roger Ver has faced long-term targeting far beyond recent tax allegations.
Schwartz claims a darker truth lies beneath Ver’s prosecution, hinting at deeper ideological motives.
Legal case intensifies as extradition looms, raising broader concerns within the crypto community.

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has commented on the ongoing legal battle involving early Bitcoin supporter Roger Ver. Schwartz stresses that Ver’s problems are not limited to tax evasion and include many years of complex and strenuous actions taken by U.S. Authorities.

In May 2024, Ver was taken into custody in Spain at the request of the United States for his extradition. He is blamed for stashing about 131,000 Bitcoin when he renounced his American citizenship in 2014. The authorities believe that as a result of the hidden information, tax officials did not receive over $50 million in exit taxes.

Roger Ver has been consistently persecuted by the US government, to the point that he gave up his citizenship and left. The government is now trying to jail him for decades because they claim he didn't pay the correct amount of exit taxes.

A lot of people who are Trump…
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) June 8, 2025

Prosecutors also allege Ver committed mail fraud and filed false tax documents. Following his release on bail, Ver continues to be in Spain as he waits for Spain’s decision to extradite him.

Schwartz addressed the matter in a public post, responding to questions about the “Free Roger” campaign. He stated that Ver had faced consistent targeting for years, leading to his decision to renounce U.S. citizenship. Schwartz implied that this pattern of treatment extends far beyond the current charges.

CTO Suggests Deeper Conflict Behind Legal Pursuit

According to Schwartz, the uncovered details cannot reveal all that happened. According to him, he is legally bound not to say anything, though he states the facts are much more serious. Mr. Fuller commented that most people don’t realize how evil it is.

Many people know that Ver played a major role in providing early funding for BitPay, Kraken, Blockchain.com, and Ripple itself. In 2017, after differing opinions about how to increase Bitcoin transactions, he became strongly in support of Bitcoin Cash.

According to Schwartz, Ver’s choices, even the controversial ones, were linked to fundamental beliefs. He explained that values instead of personal rewards guided Ver’s decisions. Schwartz says that the legal fight is mostly over ideas rather than financial misbehavior.

New information about Ver’s project is awaited as the case is still ongoing. Schwartz has brought up a new concern about abusing the authority granted to regulators.

Also Read: Ripple CEO Shuts Down Circle Deal Rumors, Reveals Bold Global Expansion Plans