“Russia, Russia, Russia” is Donald Trump’s mocking mantra whenever someone raises the myriad investigative findings and concerns around him and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime. This week, though, we were reminded that the concerns remain valid. Alexander Smirnov — who stands charged with fabricating a bribe allegation involving then-Vice President Joe Biden, his son Hunter Biden and a Ukrainian company — appeared before a federal magistrate judge on Tuesday. Then came reports from the Department of Justice that Smirnov admitted that Russian intelligence officials were involved in concocting the disinformation he gave the FBI.
A Russian operation that falsely accuses a U.S. president is bad enough. Republican members of Congress pouncing upon that false information in hopes of impeaching the president is even worse.
A Russian operation that falsely accuses a sitting U.S. president is bad enough. Republican members of Congress pouncing upon that false information in hopes of impeaching the president is even worse.
When the federal magistrate judge in Las Vegas released Smirnov pending trial, the Department of Justice was so concerned about a flight risk that it successfully appealed the decision. Smirnov was re-arrested Thursday and detained.
Smirnov is an enigma. The DOJ can’t confirm his actual profession. (He says he’s in “security.”) He holds U.S. and Israeli passports. According to a New York Times report, “It is not clear, either in court filings or public records, where Mr. Smirnov was born. He is fluent in Russian, speaks English with a heavy accent and might have roots in Ukraine, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.” Prosecutors say he alternately refers to his romantic partner as his girlfriend and his wife. Prosecutors claim Smirnov has access to over $6 million in cash, but say he conveniently omitted that in a court statement. The only thing the government seems to be certain about is that Smirnov is a…
Read the full article here
