Hunter Biden is set to appear in a Los Angeles federal court today, facing tax fraud charges related to his business dealings that have also triggered an impeachment probe of his father, US President Joe Biden. The 53-year-old is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019 while allegedly spending millions on drugs, escorts, and luxury cars. If convicted, he could face up to 17 years in prison. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, argues that he has already paid his back taxes and is being unfairly targeted due to his famous last name. The hearing is scheduled for 1 pm local time.
Hunter Biden, who has been known for his public struggles with substance abuse, has never held a position in the White House or his father’s campaign. He is also currently pleading not guilty in a separate federal case in Delaware, where he is accused of lying about his drug use when purchasing a gun. If convicted in that case, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Federal prosecutor David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019, brought both cases against him. Last year, Weiss was elevated to the status of special prosecutor, and a proposed plea deal was rejected. The Department of Justice has stated that the investigation into Hunter Biden remains ongoing.
Republicans in the US House of Representatives are now pushing for Hunter Biden to be held in contempt of Congress for his refusal to testify in their impeachment enquiry of his father. This refusal could potentially lead to additional criminal charges. Hunter Biden has expressed his willingness to testify in public, but lawmakers have rejected his offer. Yesterday, he caused a stir on Capitol Hill when he unexpectedly appeared at a House hearing where lawmakers were discussing the contempt charges.
Republicans have focused their investigations on Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and China while his father served as vice-president from 2009 to 2017. So far, they have not found any evidence of wrongdoing by Joe Biden, although they have emphasized his son’s struggles with substance abuse.
Regarding the tax case, prosecutors have alleged that Hunter Biden earned over $7 million between 2016 and 2019, including $2.3 million from his position on the board of directors of Ukrainian conglomerate Burisma and his role in Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC China Energy Co Ltd’s board.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll indicates that 44% of US adults believe the prosecution of Hunter Biden is politically motivated, while 33% do not. Furthermore, 56% of respondents believe that he is receiving preferential treatment from prosecutors.
As the court hearing unfolds today, the public and political spheres remain focused on the potential implications for President Joe Biden and the ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden’s activities.
