US seeks release of ex-FBI informant who admitted fabricating Biden claims

By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. prosecutors plan to review the case of a former FBI informant who admitted to fabricating bribery claims against former President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, according to a court filing on Friday.

The disclosure came as prosecutors, together with defense lawyers for the informant, Alexander Smirnov, asked a federal judge to release him from prison while he appeals a six-year prison sentence.

"The United States intends to review the government’s theory of the case underlying Defendant’s criminal conviction," prosecutors wrote in a filing in Los Angeles federal court.

The move is the latest by the U.S. Justice Department during the Trump administration to review or dismiss cases against supporters of President Donald Trump or those who aided conservative causes.

Smirnov pleaded guilty in December to causing the creation of a false record after falsely telling his FBI handler years earlier that he had knowledge of bribes paid by executives at a Ukrainian energy company to Joe and Hunter Biden. He also admitted to tax evasion.

Smirnov's claims, documented in an FBI record, briefly became the focus of a Republican-led impeachment investigation into Joe Biden that was later abandoned.

The case was brought by former Special Counsel David Weiss, who separately indicted Hunter Biden on tax and gun crimes. Joe Biden later issued a sweeping pardon for his son.

In seeking his release, prosecutors agreed that Smirnov was not likely to flee or pose a threat to public safety. His travel would be limited largely to Nevada, where he lived, according to the filing.

It is not clear how the Justice Department review could impact the case. Smirnov already struck a plea agreement with prosecutors.

His appeal has so far been limited to arguing that his time spent in pretrial detention should count toward his six-year sentence.

(Reporting by Andrew GoudswardEditing by Bill Berkrot)