Ex-FBI informant behind fake Biden-Ukraine bribery allegations sentenced to 6 years in prison
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In this courtroom sketch, defendant Alexander Smirnov addresses the court in Los Angeles federal court on Monday, February 26, 2024. (William T. Robles via AP)
A former FBI informant who falsely accused President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden of accepting a $10 million bribe from Ukraine has been sentenced to six years in federal prison. The individual, Alexander Smirnov, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, has been in custody since his arrest in February. The sentencing, which took place in Los Angeles, represents the closure of one of the final elements of special counsel David Weiss’ investigation into Hunter Biden and related matters. The only remaining action appears to be the submission of Weiss’ final report to the Attorney General, who can then decide whether to release it to the public.
Smirnov’s false bribery allegations were a key element in the Republican-led impeachment efforts against President Biden. His indictment and the subsequent debunking of his claims were significant in derailing the impeachment push. In November, prosecutors added tax charges to Smirnov’s case, and in December, he pleaded guilty to creating a false FBI record and to three counts of tax evasion. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a sentence of no more than six years, while Smirnov’s defense team sought a sentence of at least four years. Smirnov also agreed to pay approximately $675,000 in restitution to the IRS to cover his tax evasion.
Prosecutors emphasized that a six-year sentence was appropriate, describing Smirnov as both a “liar and a tax cheat” who had “betrayed the United States.” They argued that his fabricated corruption allegations were “among the most serious kinds of election interference,” as they had a significant impact on both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles. Smirnov’s defense team, on the other hand, requested a four-year sentence, citing his lack of a criminal record, severe glaucoma in both eyes, and his expressions of remorse. The defense also submitted letters from friends and family members who characterized him as a “deeply patriotic and proud American” who “always stood for justice.”
Smirnov was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel with his family as a child before moving to the United States. He eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen and a valued informant for the FBI. However, according to prosecutors, Smirnov developed a bias against Joe Biden and fabricated the bribery claims in an effort to undermine Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign.
In 2020, the Justice Department conducted a secret investigation into Smirnov’s allegations but found no evidence to support his claims. However, as the 2024 election approached, congressional Republicans revived Smirnov’s accusations, promoting them in right-wing media circles and touting his past role as an FBI informant. This led to renewed scrutiny of Smirnov’s allegations.
Amid the Republican focus on Smirnov’s claims, David Weiss’ team re-interviewed him in 2023 while also investigating Hunter Biden. After further investigation, Weiss concluded that Smirnov had fabricated his accusations and should be prosecuted for repeatedly misleading the FBI. The Justice Department subsequently filed charges against Smirnov for his false statements and tax evasion.
In parallel to Smirnov’s case, Hunter Biden faced his own legal battles. He was indicted on tax and gun-related charges, convicted by a jury last year on three gun-related felonies, and later pled guilty to nine federal tax offenses. In December, President Biden granted Hunter an unconditional pardon before his sentencing took place.
Smirnov’s sentencing and the wider investigation highlight the significant impact that false accusations and fabricated evidence can have on both public opinion and political processes. The case also underscores the consequences for those who abuse their position or credibility to spread misleading information, particularly when it has the potential to influence high-stakes elections. Smirnov’s six-year sentence serves as a reminder of the serious legal repercussions that come with deceiving law enforcement and engaging in election interference.
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