In a startling twist to the ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden’s financial affairs, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent alleging political interference and falsehoods in the probe is being allegedly sidelined from the case, according to the agent’s lawyers. This move is seen by them as a possible act of retaliation against their client, fueling further controversy.
The IRS agent, a criminal supervisory special agent who remains unnamed, and his investigative team are reportedly being ejected from the highly sensitive and high-profile case concerning Hunter Biden. Lawyers Mark Lytle and Tristan Leavitt, representing the agent, have notified Congress that their client was instructed that this move was requested by the Department of Justice (DOJ). They’ve described this action as “clearly retaliatory” and potentially obstructive to a congressional inquiry.
For years, the FBI and IRS have been scrutinizing Hunter Biden’s business and tax affairs. Following a meeting between Biden’s lawyers and DOJ officials last month, it is expected that charges related to tax and gun-related crimes may be on the horizon.
President Joe Biden has maintained his belief in his son’s innocence. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden himself is confident that he will be cleared of any alleged wrongdoings.
Last month, the IRS agent reached out to senior lawmakers, intending to make protected whistleblower disclosures about a high-profile investigation. This investigation has since been identified as the Hunter Biden probe. The agent’s lawyers have engaged with congressional investigators, setting the stage for a possible formal disclosure involving sensitive tax information.
The agent has reportedly disclosed to multiple inspectors general “examples of preferential treatment and politics improperly infecting decisions,” a “failure to mitigate clear conflicts of interest in the case,” and claims that “contradict sworn testimony to Congress by a senior political appointee.” The agent’s lawyers suggest there is substantial evidence, including emails and other communications, to support these allegations.
The senior official referred to by Lytle is Attorney General Merrick Garland, who briefly discussed the investigation during congressional testimony in March. When questioned about the IRS whistleblower and his testimony during a news conference, Garland reiterated his commitment to not interfere with the investigation.
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Chris Clark, has suggested that the IRS official may have committed a crime by disclosing information about an ongoing tax investigation. Lytle, however, has stressed that his client is not backing down and is prepared to face such attacks to bring the truth to light.
In their letter to lawmakers, the IRS agent’s lawyers underscored U.S. Code sections that prohibit retaliation against officials seeking to make whistleblower disclosures to Congress. They’ve requested Congress to swiftly address this matter, emphasizing that the removal of experienced investigators from the case is exactly the type of issue their client intended to blow the whistle on.
