A federal judge decided on Monday that Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant charged with falsely accusing the Bidens of accepting bribes, will stay in jail until his trial. US District Judge Otis Wright emphasized the seriousness of the case, citing Smirnov’s history of making false statements.
Smirnov, a 43-year-old US-Israeli citizen, allegedly informed his handler that a Ukrainian energy firm paid $5 million in bribes to President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Prosecutors assert that these claims were entirely fabricated. Smirnov pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to his handler and falsifying records.
Initially granted release with GPS monitoring, Smirnov was re-arrested after a few days while meeting with his lawyers. The judge authorized the second arrest amid concerns that Smirnov’s attorneys might assist him in leaving the country, although defense attorneys dispute this allegation.
Prosecutors argued that Smirnov’s extensive foreign contacts and access to substantial funds made him a flight risk. During the hearing, it was revealed that Smirnov possessed nine firearms at home, including an “assault weapon,” prompting law enforcement to arrest him at his lawyers’ office for safety reasons.
Smirnov’s defense contended that his foreign contacts were under government direction, implying his compliance rather than intent to flee. However, when questioned by the judge, the defense appeared to retract this assertion.
Smirnov’s legal team has also challenged his detention, arguing that the judge exceeded his authority by issuing a new arrest warrant without a hearing. Despite these arguments, Judge Wright upheld the decision to keep Smirnov in custody pending trial.
The case underscores the gravity of false accusations and the complexities of pre-trial detention decisions, particularly regarding flight risks and public safety concerns.
