Court documents revealed on Tuesday that Alexander Smirnov, an FBI informant charged with lying to investigators about a fabricated bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy company, has purportedly had extensive dealings with foreign intelligence services, including Russian agencies.
According to prosecutors, Smirnov’s interactions included communication with a figure identified as “Russian Official 1,” described as the son of a former high-ranking Russian government official allegedly involved in orchestrating assassination efforts in foreign countries. Smirnov faces charges for falsely informing the FBI that executives from the now-defunct Ukrainian energy firm Burisma had paid $5 million each in bribes to Hunter and Joe Biden.
Smirnov’s allegations have been central to a protracted campaign by congressional Republicans to impeach President Biden. However, Special Counsel David Weiss, prosecuting Hunter Biden on gun and tax charges, asserted on Feb. 14 that Smirnov’s claims were fabricated, leading to Smirnov’s arrest upon his return from overseas.
In a 28-page memo contesting bail for Smirnov, prosecutors highlighted his admitted connections to foreign intelligence services, particularly Russian agencies. They emphasized concerns that Smirnov, if released on bail, could exploit these connections to flee the United States.
Weiss underscored that Smirnov’s association with Russian intelligence was disclosed to his FBI handlers. Smirnov had been working as an FBI informant since 2010 and was granted authorization to engage in certain illegal activities as part of his role.
Prosecutors cited Smirnov’s reported interactions with a figure he identified as the leader of two Russian assassination squads, as well as with a high-ranking member of a specific Russian foreign intelligence service. These interactions were described as extensive and recent, raising apprehensions about Smirnov’s intentions, including plans for overseas travel.
Moreover, Smirnov allegedly misled the court regarding his financial resources. Prosecutors contended that Smirnov had access to over $6 million, contrary to his claims of possessing only minimal assets. They argued against bail, asserting that Smirnov possessed sufficient funds to sustain a comfortable life abroad indefinitely.
President Biden is identified in the court memorandum as “Public Official 1,” an elected official in the Obama-Biden Administration, while Hunter Biden is referred to as “Businessperson 1.” Smirnov stands accused of falsely asserting to the FBI that Burisma executives confessed to hiring Hunter Biden to gain favor with Joe Biden.
These alleged fabrications were made during a time when Joe Biden was a presidential candidate. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia sought to aid Donald Trump, Biden’s opponent in the 2020 election, and in the 2016 election as well.
Smirnov also purportedly lied about Burisma executives paying $5 million each to Joe and Hunter Biden to secure favors. The claims are part of a broader controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s involvement with Burisma while his father was Vice President.
Legal representatives for Smirnov and Hunter Biden were not immediately available for comment on the matter.
In summary, court documents suggest that Alexander Smirnov, the FBI informant charged with fabricating allegations against President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, has had substantial ties to foreign intelligence services, particularly Russian agencies, raising concerns about his credibility and intentions.