FBI Informant With Russian Contacts Charged Over Biden-Ukraine Lies

Alexander Smirnov, a 43-year-old man who had worked as an FBI confidential source for 14 years, was detained last week at the Las Vegas airport. He is currently charged with providing false information to the bureau regarding a alleged bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter, and a Ukrainian energy company. The charges against Smirnov are separate from those against Hunter Biden, who has been under investigation for gun and tax issues. Smirnov's allegations have contributed to the collapse of a plea deal offered to Hunter Biden last summer. The bribery scheme claim has been a central topic in the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Smirnov was initially denied bail but was later released on electronic GPS monitoring by US Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts. He hid his face during the court proceedings.