The GOP’s reliance on Alexander Smirnov, a confidential FBI informant whose credibility has been seriously questioned, has turned into a major embarrassment, underscoring a significant lapse in judgment.
Recent revelations indicate that federal prosecutors were aware as early as 2016 that Smirnov, aged 43, was a notorious “liar and a fraudster.” Despite this damning characterization, Smirnov’s fabricated story about President Biden and his son Hunter accepting $5 million bribes from a Ukrainian energy company became a linchpin in the Republican impeachment effort against Mr. Biden.
However, the narrative collapsed when Smirnov was indicted last month for concocting the false allegations. This startling development has prompted scrutiny over why Smirnov remained on the FBI’s payroll for so long, especially considering doubts about his credibility dating back almost a decade.
Multiple investigations has uncovered an earlier criminal case in which Smirnov’s testimony led to a prosecution, yet he was also accused of lying in that instance. Joseph Benincasa, a defense lawyer in that case, expressed astonishment at Smirnov’s continued use by the government, stating, “They never should have used him again… it’s shocking.”
Calls for an audit of Smirnov’s involvement in past cases have intensified, with experts suggesting a review to determine the extent of potential taint on cases he was associated with. Michael Bromwich, a former Justice Department inspector general, emphasized the need for scrutiny to ascertain any systemic issues in informant supervision.
Smirnov’s indictment in February for lying to the FBI about the Bidens marked the revelation of his covert work for the agency. However, this wasn’t the first instance of Smirnov’s alleged deceit. In a 2015 racketeering case in California, Smirnov’s information contributed to charges against individuals tied to Armenian organized crime. Yet, his reliability was questioned by defense attorneys, with allegations of lying documented in court filings.
Benincasa raised serious concerns about the FBI’s handling of Smirnov, highlighting a failure to rein him in despite blatant dishonesty.
The GOP’s blind trust in Smirnov as a credible witness has backfired spectacularly, raising questions about the party’s judgment and highlighting the dangers of uncritically embracing informants with questionable integrity.