A federal judge in Los Angeles denied the government's request to release Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, despite a motion suggesting a review of his case. Smirnov was sentenced to 72 months in prison for tax evasion and false claims about Joe Biden and his son accepting bribes, which were used in an impeachment effort against Biden. His attorneys plan to appeal the decision, arguing for his release while the case is under review. Smirnov's claims, made during the 2020 presidential election, were found to be false and motivated by bias against Biden. The Biden administration dismissed the impeachment attempt as a politically motivated stunt, and Hunter Biden received a pardon from his father for related charges.

Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant, remains in prison after a judge denied a request for his release while appealing his conviction, as he is considered a flight risk due to his 72-month sentence.

Smirnov falsely claimed that Joe Biden and his son received bribes from Ukrainian energy company Burisma, a story that became central to a Republican-led impeachment inquiry.

Smirnov's attorneys plan to appeal the judge's decision, maintaining efforts to secure his release, while the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles has declined to comment on the case.

The claims against the Bidens were motivated by Smirnov's political bias during the 2020 presidential election, as he only had business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017, after Biden's vice-presidency.

The false bribery claim caused a significant political stir, resurfacing during the House impeachment inquiry into President Biden, which the administration labeled a 'stunt.'

Hunter Biden faced gun and tax charges brought by former special counsel David Weiss but was later pardoned by President Biden, who cited political interference in the judicial process.

Smirnov has been detained since February 2024 after being arrested at a Las Vegas airport upon his return to the U.S. from overseas, highlighting concerns about his potential to flee.