Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson are pressing the FBI for answers regarding the handling of an FD-1023 form alleging a criminal bribery scheme involving Joe Biden and Ukraine. The senators sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Special Counsel David Weiss, seeking interviews with Alexander Smirnov's handling agent and superiors.
The FD-1023 form, used by FBI agents to record unverified reporting from confidential human sources, detailed claims made by Smirnov in 2020. Smirnov alleged that Burisma executives paid $5 million each to Joe Biden and Hunter Biden to protect the company through Biden's influence. The document also suggested that the payments were made to quash a criminal investigation into Burisma.
Smirnov, the confidential human source, has since been indicted on charges of making false statements related to the Bidens' business ties in Ukraine. Grassley and Johnson raised concerns about the FBI's handling of Smirnov, including delays in interviewing him and the lack of transparency in the investigation.
The senators criticized the FBI for initially refusing to confirm the existence of the FD-1023 and for failing to interview Smirnov until September 2023. Grassley released a redacted version of the FD-1023 to the public in July 2023, prompting further scrutiny of the case.
Grassley and Johnson emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the FBI's handling of the case, calling for interviews with Smirnov's handling agent and superiors. They expressed concerns about potential corruption within federal law enforcement and urged the FBI and DOJ to provide full transparency regarding the investigation.
Both senators highlighted the importance of upholding constitutional duties and ensuring unbiased and timely investigations. They vowed to continue pushing for accountability and transparency in the government's conduct related to the alleged bribery scheme.
