An FBI informant has been charged with fabricating a bribery scheme involving US President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy company, Associated Press reports.
Alexander Smirnov falsely claimed that Burisma executives paid the Bidens $5 million each in 2015 or 2016. Prosecutors say Smirnov, who expressed bias against Biden, made these allegations despite only having routine business dealings with Burisma in 2017. Smirnov appeared in court in Las Vegas and faces charges of making false statements and creating false records. Smirnov could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The informant’s claims were central to Republican efforts to investigate the Bidens, but Democrats are calling for an end to the impeachment inquiry, dismissing the allegations as lies and conspiracy theories. The impeachment inquiry into Biden’s son’s business dealings continues, with Hunter Biden expected to appear before the committee later this month.
