Alexander Smirnov: Ex-FBI Informant Charged Over Lying About Bidens Returns to US Custody
Alexander Smirnov, the ex-FBI informant charged with disseminating false corruption claims about President Joe Biden and his family's alleged involvement in Ukraine, has been re-arrested in Nevada, according to CNN.
Despite prosecutors' efforts to keep him in custody, Smirnov was initially released on Tuesday by Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts in Nevada, with conditions such as GPS monitoring and surrendering his passports.
However, Smirnov's defense lawyers have revealed that he was re-arrested on Thursday under a new warrant, identical to the previous charges, signed by federal district Judge Otis Wright, overseeing the case in California.
This abrupt turn of events occurred just days after his release.
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Legal Maneuvers and Defense's Response
Alexander Smirnov's defense attorneys emphasized the unusual circumstances surrounding his re-arrest, stating that he was attending a legal consultation meeting at the time, per Politico.
Attorney David Chesnoff described the situation as "bizarre" and urged a federal judge in California to promptly address the matter.
Chesnoff argued that the ex-FBI informant's participation in a legal meeting contradicts the notion that he poses a flight risk.
"It should further be noted that the fact that the Defendant was attending a legal consultation meeting at his attorneys' office contradicts the notion that he is a risk of flight," Chesnoff said.
This development adds another layer to a politically charged saga, with House Republicans previously relying on Smirnov's allegations against the Bidens.
These allegations now revealed as fabrications, have raised concerns about potential involvement by Russian intelligence operatives in fueling the false claims.
Initial Arrest and Controversial Release
Smirnov, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was arrested on February 14 upon returning from an international trip, Daily Beast noted.
He faced charges of making false statements to the FBI and orchestrating a false investigative report about the Bidens.
Prosecutors had sought to detain Smirnov, citing his alleged ties to Russian intelligence, access to substantial assets, and the potential to obtain alternative passports.
Magistrate Judge Albregts, while ordering Smirnov's release with GPS monitoring, expressed skepticism about Russia welcoming someone who had purportedly informed on his Russian contacts.
The judge maintained that political ramifications were not part of his decision-making process.
After Smirnov's initial arrest, the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed that he had admitted involvement of officials associated with Russian intelligence in spreading a story about the president's son.
This revelation added a new dimension to the controversy surrounding Smirnov's actions.
During a detention hearing on Tuesday, Judge Albregts ordered Smirnov's release with GPS tracking ahead of his trial.
However, this decision was later reversed, as revealed in court documents filed on Wednesday.
Reacting to the situation, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) acknowledged on CNN that warnings about the credibility of the ex-FBI informant's testimony were issued when it was initially received during Joe Biden's impeachment proceedings.
He emphasized that many Republicans had overlooked these warnings.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case of Alexander Smirnov continues to be a focal point,
underscoring the intersection of legal complexities and political implications.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
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