A former FBI informant who admitted lying about the alleged connection of US President Joe Biden and his son Hunter with Ukrainian energy company "Burisma" has been sentenced to six years in prison, Reuters reports, quoted by BTA.
Alexander Smirnov pleaded guilty last month to creating a false trail, saying he knew about bribes paid by executives of "Burisma Holding" to the two Bidens. Smirnov also pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
The FBI, with the help of Special Counsel David Weiss, was investigating the circumstances surrounding Hunter Biden and was asking Judge Otis Wright to sentence Smirnov to six years in prison for his fraud. In court documents, prosecutors noted that the defendant used the trust he enjoyed in the FBI to spread false information aimed at influencing the 2020 presidential election.
Smirnov's lawyers asked for a lighter sentence, pointing out that he took responsibility for his actions and experienced personal failure as a result of the case.
During interrogations, Smirnov made false statements about possible bribes, fabricating versions of Hunter Biden's hiring by "Burisma". Joe Biden pardoned his son in early December, expressing confidence in the unfairness of the trial and indicating his personal support for Hunter.