Hunter Biden's Business Dealings Under Scrutiny in Tax Trial

Special counsel David Weiss has filed court documents indicating that Hunter Biden received substantial payments from Romanian businessman Gabriel Popoviciu, who allegedly sought to influence U.S. policy amid a criminal investigation in Romania. The prosecution plans to present evidence showing that Biden was compensated to assist Popoviciu in contesting bribery charges, with claims that he received approximately $3 million from the businessman between 2015 and 2017. Weiss’ team asserts that this compensation was linked to efforts to persuade U.S. agencies to intervene in the Romanian investigation. The prosecution's filing also highlights Biden's business dealings with other foreign entities, including the Ukrainian gas company Burisma and CEFC China Energy. However, Weiss clarified that the evidence would not suggest that Biden engaged in lobbying activities in exchange for these payments. Instead, it will demonstrate that he performed minimal work for the substantial sums received, which is central to the tax evasion charges he faces. Biden has pleaded not guilty to allegations of failing to pay taxes and filing fraudulent forms, and his legal team has sought to exclude certain evidence they deem prejudicial. The upcoming trial, set for September in California, will focus on Biden's alleged failure to pay $1.4 million in taxes, with prosecutors arguing that his business arrangements are relevant to establishing his intent and mental state during the period in question. As the trial approaches, Hunter Biden has characterized the investigations into his business dealings as politically motivated, maintaining that he did not involve his father, President Joe Biden, in his business affairs.