By Steve Neavling
The FBI informant charged with fabricating bribery claims about President Biden and his son was ordered to remain behind bars while he awaits trial because he poses a flight risk.
Alexander Smirnov was rearrested at his lawyer’s office in Las Vegas last week, just days after a magistrate judge allowed him to be released on bond.
U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II said Smirnov had a habit of lying and may flee the country, the Associated Press reports.
“There is nothing garden variety about this case,” Wright said. “I have not changed my mind. This man will be remanded pending trial.”
Federal prosecutors argued he was a flight risk because of his relationships with Russian intelligence operatives and money he had at his disposal.
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.
