Hunter Biden has been indicted on federal firearms charges, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the son of President Joe Biden.
The indictment alleges that Biden provided false information about his drug use when purchasing a firearm in October 2018. During this period, he openly acknowledged grappling with addiction to crack cocaine, as revealed in the federal court filing in Delaware.
Furthermore, Hunter Biden has been under scrutiny for his business dealings, with the special counsel overseeing the case suggesting that potential charges for failing to pay taxes on time could be brought forth either in Washington or California, where he resides.
This indictment arises as congressional Republicans initiate an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, largely centered around Hunter Biden's business engagements. Republicans have acquired testimonies detailing how Hunter Biden leveraged the "Biden brand" to secure international work opportunities. However, they have yet to provide concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the president.
Notably, a gun possession charge against Hunter Biden, who is 53 years old, had previously been part of a plea agreement that also involved pleading guilty to misdemeanour tax charges. However, the agreement encountered complications during a court hearing in July when a judge raised concerns about its unconventional provisions.
Hunter Biden's defense attorneys have contended that the agreement's clause, which would prevent prosecution on the gun charge if he avoids legal troubles, remains in effect, including immunity against potential additional charges. They have indicated their intention to contest any supplementary charges filed against him.
On the contrary, prosecutors assert that the agreement never took effect and is currently void.
Republicans had criticized the plea agreement as a "favorable deal," which would have permitted Hunter Biden to serve probation instead of jail time after admitting guilt for tax evasion in both 2017 and 2018.
His personal income during those two years totaled approximately $4 million, encompassing earnings from business activities and consulting fees, including those from a company he co-founded with the CEO of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.
Congressional Republicans have persisted in their investigations into the Justice Department's handling of the case and virtually all aspects of Hunter Biden's business ventures, striving to link his financial matters directly to his father. Despite occasional interactions between the president and his son's clients, there has been no substantiated evidence of President Biden's direct involvement in his son's work.
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