By Steve Neavling
A former FBI informant accused of fabricating bribery claims about President Biden and his son has “extensive” contacts with Russian intelligence agencies, federal prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.
In the filing, Justice Department officials outlined Alexander Smirnov’s alleged contacts with Russian intelligence officials, saying he should remain in custody as the case against him proceeds because he is a flight risk and is a danger to national security.
According to the memo, Smirnov, 43, told federal investigators that “officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story” about Hunter Biden.
Despite the DOJ’s claims, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daiel Albregts allowed Smirnov to be released from custody, the Associated Press reports.
Smirnov is accused of manufacturing a false corruption case against the Bidens. He was charged last week with fabricating claims that Biden and his son each sought $5 million in bribes from a Ukrainian energy company.
Republicans widely publicized the claims, even though prosecutors depicted him as a serial liar.
