Congressional testimony from IRS whistleblowers has brought to light allegations of over $17 million in payments from foreign entities to Hunter Biden, his family members, and business associates. This information, revealed during a House Oversight Committee hearing, stems from interviews with IRS special agent Joseph Ziegler and his supervisor Gary Shapley. Ziegler, whose identity was publicly disclosed during the proceedings, and Shapley, who had previously raised concerns, allege political interference in the Hunter Biden investigation.
Ziegler testified that these payments, linked to business dealings in China, Ukraine, and Romania, spanned from 2014 to 2019. A significant portion, $7.3 million, reportedly originated from Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings. Ziegler confirmed the $17 million figure in response to questioning from Committee Chairman James Comer. He emphasized that tracing the source of funds is a standard procedure in international tax investigations.
Comer characterized these transactions as an "influence-peddling scheme" designed to enrich the Biden family. He highlighted the complex nature of the financial dealings, involving multiple companies and bank accounts, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obscure the source and total amount of the funds. He argued that no legitimate business would operate in such a manner.
Ziegler, a self-identified gay Democrat with over 12 years of experience in the IRS's criminal investigative division, made his first public appearance in this matter. Both he and Shapley allege that officials within the Justice Department, FBI, and IRS interfered with the Hunter Biden investigation, influencing decisions based on political considerations.
