Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, whose false claims about President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden were central to the Republican impeachment inquiry, has now been indicted on 10 tax-related charges. The indictment alleges he received over $2 million in income and made extravagant purchases, including a $1.4 million condominium and a Bentley. This comes after Smirnov was already convicted on gun and tax charges as part of the Hunter Biden case. Smirnov had been a confidential source for the FBI since 2010 and had claimed to have information from officials associated with Russian intelligence. He was accused of peddling new lies that could impact U.S. elections after meeting with Russian intelligence officials in 2023. The indictment also mentioned Russia’s efforts to aid Trump’s campaign and pay right-wing influencers. The false statements case against Smirnov is set for trial on January 8, 2025. President Biden has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Smirnov’s claims. The indictment marks a significant development in a case that has political implications and connections to foreign interference in U.S. elections.
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