WASHINGTON — Two IRS whistleblowers have alleged misconduct, including interference in the Hunter Biden tax investigation, according to newly released transcripts of congressional interviews.
Agent Gary Shapley detailed what they called a pattern of “slow-walking investigative steps” and said IRS findings supported more severe penalties.
“This recommended felony tax evasion charge, that’s 7201, is tax evasion, and 7206(1) is a false tax return, also a felony, for the tax years 2014, 2018, and 2019. And for Title 26 7203, which is a failure to file or pay, that is a misdemeanor charge for ’15, ’16, ’17, ’18, and ’19,” Shapley said.
Earlier this week Biden agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges that related to his failure to pay tax on more than $3 million in income but will avoid prosecution on a separate gun possession charge.
Shapley’s testimony also contradicts Attorney General Merrick Garland, who said earlier this week that Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, had full authority to lead the investigation.
The Justice Department denied the whistleblower claims.
“The only person with authority to make somebody a special counsel or refuse to make somebody a special counsel is the attorney general,” Garland said. “Mr. Weiss never made that request to me.”
Garland also said Weiss was never prohibited from bringing charges in jurisdictions other than Delaware, denying another claim from Shapley.
“I don’t know how it would be possible for anybody to block him from bringing a prosecution, given that he has this authority was never told no,” Garland said.
A transcript of the text message was released by congressional leadership, allegedly showing the younger Biden invoking his father, who was then-vice president.
“I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. Tell the director that I would like to resolve this now before it gets out of hand, and now means tonight,” the younger Biden allegedly told businessman Henry Zhao. “And Z, if I get a call or text from anyone involved in this other than you, Zhang, or the chairman, I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.”
President Biden has repeatedly maintained that he was not involved in any of his son’s business dealings and the White House has continued to deny any connection exists.
