Fact Check: FBI Promised Refuge to Informant but Now Seeks His Deportation
What We Know
The claim revolves around Alexander Smirnov, a former FBI informant who has been accused of fabricating allegations against President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. According to a report by the BBC, Smirnov was charged with making false statements after his claims about the Bidens receiving bribes from a Ukrainian energy company were deemed fabricated. The FBI initially considered him a "highly credible" source, which raised concerns among Republican lawmakers regarding the agency's vetting process for informants.
Recently, the U.S. government has expressed a desire to release Smirnov from prison while he appeals his conviction for tax evasion and lying to the FBI, as reported by the Associated Press. This development has led to speculation about whether he would face deportation, especially given his dual citizenship with Israel and the U.S.
Analysis
The situation is complex, involving multiple layers of legal and political implications. On one hand, the FBI's initial support for Smirnov as a credible informant raises questions about the agency's internal processes and the reliability of its sources. The claims made by Smirnov were significant enough to be used as evidence in the impeachment inquiry against President Biden, which underscores the potential impact of his fabricated statements (BBC).
On the other hand, the U.S. government's recent motion to release Smirnov while he appeals his conviction suggests a reconsideration of his case. The motion indicates that the government is reviewing its "theory of the case," which could imply that they are not currently pursuing deportation, at least until the appeal process is resolved (AP).
The reliability of the sources discussing Smirnov's case varies. The BBC is a well-respected news organization, providing a balanced overview of the political implications of Smirnov's allegations. The Associated Press also has a strong reputation for factual reporting, particularly in legal matters. However, the political context surrounding the impeachment inquiry may introduce bias in how different outlets report on the implications of Smirnov's case.
Conclusion
The claim that the FBI promised refuge to an informant but is now seeking his deportation is Partially True. While it is accurate that Smirnov was an informant whose credibility has been questioned and that there are discussions about his potential deportation, the current status of his case is still in flux. The U.S. government's motion to release him while he appeals his conviction complicates the narrative of outright deportation, indicating that the situation is not as straightforward as the claim suggests.
