U.S. Seeks Release of Ex-FBI Informant Smirnov \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The U.S. government now supports releasing ex-FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, who falsely claimed the Bidens accepted bribes from Ukraine’s Burisma, while he appeals his conviction. Smirnov is serving a six-year sentence after pleading guilty to tax evasion and lying to the FBI. Federal prosecutors say they’re reexamining the case’s foundation.
Quick Looks
- U.S. now seeks release of Alexander Smirnov during appeal.
- Smirnov falsely claimed Joe and Hunter Biden took bribes from Burisma.
- He pled guilty in January to lying and tax evasion.
- Original case was prosecuted by ex-special counsel David Weiss.
- Smirnov was arrested at Las Vegas airport in February 2024.
- Government now reviewing its theory of the case.
- Motion also cites Smirnov’s need for eye-related medical treatment.
- Smirnov’s 2020 claim sparked political chaos and impeachment calls.
- Investigators found no evidence the Bidens accepted bribes.
- Hunter Biden was later pardoned by President Biden following his conviction.
Deep Look
In a surprising turn, the U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal court to release Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant who falsely accused President Joe Biden and his son Hunter of taking multimillion-dollar bribes from a Ukrainian energy firm, Burisma Holdings.
Smirnov, 44, was sentenced in January to six years in prison after admitting in court to tax evasion and lying to the FBI about the bribery scheme, which he fabricated in what prosecutors initially described as an effort to sway the 2020 presidential election. But now, federal prosecutors are reconsidering the integrity of the case.
Motion for Release Filed as Case Undergoes Reassessment
On Thursday, Smirnov’s new legal team and federal prosecutors jointly filed a motion requesting his release pending appeal. According to the filing, the Justice Department will “review its theory of the case,” suggesting a potential shift in its stance or understanding of the facts.
The motion also highlights concerns about Smirnov’s ongoing eye health issues, stating that release from custody would help him receive appropriate treatment.
While no hearing date has been set, the move signals a major development in a case that had previously fueled partisan investigations and media scrutiny.
Smirnov’s False Claims Sparked Political Turmoil
Smirnov’s allegations gained national attention in 2020 when he told his FBI handler that Joe and Hunter Biden were paid $5 million each by Burisma executives in 2015. At the time, Biden was vice president under President Barack Obama, and his son served on Burisma’s board.
The claims became politically explosive, surfacing again during the House-led impeachment inquiry into President Biden, which the White House called a “political stunt.”
But federal investigators eventually discovered that Smirnov had no direct evidence of such payments and only had minor business interactions with Burisma — all of which occurred after Biden had left office in 2017.
From International Arrest to Political Flashpoint
Smirnov, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was arrested in February 2024 at the Las Vegas airport upon returning from overseas. Authorities cited him as a potential flight risk given his travel history and connections abroad. He has remained in custody since.
Originally prosecuted by former special counsel David Weiss, the case became part of a broader Justice Department effort to address politically charged allegations tied to the Bidens. However, Weiss resigned in January, just days before President Donald Trump returned to office for his second term.
Smirnov’s case has now been reassigned to a new federal prosecutor, who co-signed the motion seeking his temporary release.
Hunter Biden Charges and Presidential Pardon
The scandal also intersected with separate legal challenges facing Hunter Biden, who was convicted in a gun case and had pleaded guilty to tax offenses. He was scheduled to be sentenced in December, but President Biden intervened with a presidential pardon, citing concerns over what he called “raw politics” and a “miscarriage of justice.”
Critics of the administration have argued the pardon undermines accountability, while supporters say the decision reflects the president’s belief that his son was unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Legal and Political Fallout Continues
The Smirnov case is emblematic of the larger political weaponization of disinformation, especially in the context of high-stakes elections. His false statements not only misled federal agents but also triggered investigations and media narratives that added to the turmoil surrounding the 2020 election.
Now, with the Justice Department reassessing its position and signaling doubts about the prosecution’s original basis, questions linger about how the government will handle politically sensitive prosecutions in the future.
Smirnov’s legal team and civil liberties advocates may also pursue broader action, citing selective prosecution, due process violations, or improper political influence in high-profile cases.
U.S. Seeks Release U.S. Seeks Release
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