Hunter Biden took out a loan to pay off more than $1 million in back taxes after a federal investigation into his tax affairs was launched in late 2020.
Associates close to the president’s son confirmed the payment to The New York Times, alleging that Biden funded federal tax liabilities in recent months. The exact amount of his loan or payment date has not been made public.
Biden’s tax payment has been made as a grand jury in Delaware continues to investigate his international business dealings, which appear to have been intertwined with the career of his father, Joe Biden.
While the payment does not nullify criminal charges against Biden, experts say it could make it harder for prosecutors to convict tax-related charges, as juries tend to be more sympathetic to defendants who have paid off their debts.
However, the federal investigation extends beyond Biden’s tax liabilities. He also investigates business transactions and clients in which he was involved while serving as a registered domestic lobbyist and during his father’s vice presidency.
The investigation is looking for criminal violations of tax laws, as well as foreign lobbying and money laundering rules. So far, Biden has not been charged with anything.
More recently, the president’s son has made a career as an artist. He also admitted that he struggled with drug addiction and a range of other mental health issues while dealing with international business deals.
Hunter Biden took out a loan to pay off more than $1 million in back taxes after a federal investigation into his tax affairs was launched in late 2020. Associates close to the president’s son confirmed the payment, alleging that Biden funded federal tax liabilities in recent months. He is pictured next to his father, President Joe Biden.
Although Biden has paid his tax obligations, it remains unclear whether evidence of a transfer to court will be presented.
Tax law experts say federal tax prosecutors routinely fight to keep jurors from knowing the status of a defendant’s accounts, arguing that it could affect their decision even if the judge asks them not to consider it.
The prosecution contends that the crime occurred when the tax returns were falsely filed or not filed at all, and that paying off the debt should not affect the verdict.
Experts also argue that defense lawyers will encourage defendants to pay taxes if they believe they could face charges, arguing that paying often helps with a conviction.
It’s unclear if Biden’s lawyers have instructed to pay the bill or believe it will affect his case.
Biden’s lawyer, the Department of Justice and the US Attorney’s Office in Delaware reportedly declined to comment to The New York Times. They also did not immediately respond to ‘s request.
The fee comes as the federal government continues to investigate business deals and clients he was involved with while serving as a registered domestic interest lobbyist and during his father’s vice presidency. Biden is pictured with security outside the White House in May 2021.
Biden admitted he struggled with drug addiction and a range of other mental health issues while dealing with international business deals. He is pictured above with what looks like a smoking pipe in his mouth.
Details related to the criminal investigation are being kept under wraps, and it is not known if Biden is the sole target of the investigation or if he is part of a group of people or businesses under scrutiny.
Prosecutors questioned possible violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by Washington-based consulting firm Blue Star Strategies, which worked with Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings in a deal allegedly brokered by Biden. Officials are trying to determine if Biden should register under FARA on behalf of Burisma.
Investigators analyzed emails between Biden and his business partner Devon Archer and others about the company and its dealings.
In one April 2014 email to Archer, Biden suggested he was familiar with FARA and wanted to avoid any infractions.
He allegedly mentioned that his father, then Vice President, would announce a trip to Ukraine, writing that the announcement “could be a really good thing or might create too high expectations.” We need to moderate expectations for this visit.”
Biden did not specifically name his father, but instead referred to him as “my boyfriend.”
In the same message, Biden argued that Burisma officials “should be made clear that we will not and cannot directly interfere in the affairs of national politicians and that we must comply with FARA and any other US laws in the strictest sense across the board.” .’
He also suggested engaging Biden’s law firm at the time to “guide discussions in government, energy, and the NSC,” and said the firm “could develop a media plan and provide legal protection, as well as mitigate the negative attitude of the US domestic press towards the current situation.” leadership if needed.”
The email was written about a week before the vice president’s trip to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
In another series of emails dated April 2015, Biden allegedly invited the Burisma adviser to meet with his father, then Vice President Joe Biden.
Federal officials examined records relating to a lawsuit filed by former Biden associate Lunden Alexis Roberts (pictured). Roberts sued Biden in Arkansas state court for child support and paternity in 2019 after one of his companies, identified as Burisma, allegedly stopped paying her and providing her with health insurance.
In another series of emails dated April 2015, Biden and Archer allegedly discussed inviting foreign business associates, including a Burisma executive, to dinner at a D.C. restaurant where the vice president was scheduled to appear.
However, it is not clear if the leader was present at the meal.
Investigators also looked into his interests in Kazakhstan, a Chinese energy conglomerate. They are examining payments and gifts he and his co-conspirators received from foreign investors, including a car purchased with funds from a company linked to a Kazakh oligarch and a diamond from a Chinese energy tycoon.
In addition, federal officials examined records relating to a lawsuit filed by former Biden associate Lunden Alexis Roberts.
Roberts sued Biden in Arkansas state court for child support and paternity in 2019 after one of his companies allegedly stopped paying her and providing her with health insurance.
The couple reached an out-of-court settlement in March 2020.
Prosecutors traveled to Little Rock last year to question Roberts and her lawyer about Biden’s finances. Their investigation reportedly revealed that she was receiving payments from Burisma.
Roberts also testified before a grand jury in Delaware last month.
More recently, Biden has embarked on a career as an artist.