Allegations Against Joe and Hunter Biden Discredited as FBI Informant Charged
In a significant development, an FBI informant, Alexander Smirnov, has been charged with fabricating a bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden, and a Ukrainian energy company, Burisma. This claim has been a central point in the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress.
Smirnov had reported to the FBI in June 2020 that Burisma executives paid the Bidens $5 million each in 2015 or 2016. He claimed that an executive from the company hired Hunter Biden to shield them from various issues through his father's influence. However, prosecutors have now stated that Smirnov's business dealings with Burisma were routine and occurred in 2017. The bribery allegations surfaced after Smirnov expressed bias against Joe Biden during his presidential candidacy.
Smirnov, 43, appeared briefly in a Las Vegas court after being charged with making a false statement and creating a false record. He did not enter a plea. The court hearing was closed for arguments about sealing court documents at the request of federal public defender Margaret Wightman Lambrose, who declined to comment on the case.
The informant's claims have been instrumental in the Republican-led Congress's efforts to investigate the president and his family. This has led to a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Hunter Biden's attorney has stated that the charges demonstrate that the investigation is based on dishonest and uncredible allegations and witnesses.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has called for an end to the Biden impeachment inquiry. He stated that the allegations against Biden have always been based on lies and conspiracy theories. He urged House Republicans to stop promoting these theories and end their doomed impeachment inquiry.
However, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer downplayed the importance of the informant's role in the probe. He stated that the inquiry is based on a large record of evidence, including bank records and witness testimony. The committee will continue to follow the facts and decide whether to proceed with articles of impeachment against Biden.
The charges against Smirnov were filed by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, who has also charged Hunter Biden with firearm and tax violations. The Burisma allegations have been a contentious issue in Congress, with Republicans demanding the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the allegations.
Hunter Biden is expected to appear before the committee later this month. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that the probe was based on lies told by people with political agendas, not facts.