Hunter Biden Accused of Influence Peddling

Special counsel David Weiss has filed a motion indicating that evidence will be presented at trial showing Hunter Biden received payments from a Romanian businessman, Gabriel Popoviciu, who allegedly sought to influence U.S. policy and halt a local investigation against him. The prosecution asserts that Biden was compensated to assist in pressuring U.S. agencies to investigate the Romanian inquiry, with the filing detailing that Biden received a significant portion of $3.1 million during the period from November 2015 to May 2017. The prosecution's strategy will also delve into Biden's business dealings with foreign entities, including the Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma and CEFC China Energy. However, Weiss' team clarified that the evidence will not suggest Biden engaged in lobbying activities for this compensation, but rather that he performed minimal work in exchange for the funds received. This filing comes as Biden's legal team seeks to exclude certain evidence they deem prejudicial in his ongoing federal tax case. Biden faces multiple charges, including tax evasion and filing fraudulent returns, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution's filing emphasizes that Biden's alleged actions, including attempts to influence U.S. public policy, demonstrate intent and capacity to commit the alleged crimes, despite his struggles with addiction. The trial is set to begin on September 9, amid ongoing scrutiny and denials from the White House regarding the allegations.