Hunter Biden Faces New Tax Charges Amidst Growing Legal Scrutiny
In the latest twist in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Hunter Biden, federal prosecutors in California have filed a nine-count indictment against the son of President Joe Biden.
The charges, which include three felonies and six misdemeanours, revolve around tax-related offences and come as part of an intensifying federal investigation into Hunter Biden's financial conduct.
According to the 56-page indictment, Hunter Biden is accused of evading $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes between 2016 and 2019. Prosecutors allege that during this period, Biden opted to fund what they describe as an "extravagant lifestyle" involving drugs, escorts, luxury cars, and clothing, instead of fulfilling his tax obligations.
The indictment specifies that he "individually received more than $7 million in total gross income" during this timeframe but failed to pay taxes on time, despite having the means to do so.
Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, responded to the new charges by asserting that they are politically motivated, stating, "if Hunter's last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought." Lowell also highlighted that Hunter Biden had already paid all outstanding taxes and fines in 2020, aided by a loan from his personal attorney.
The legal troubles surrounding Hunter Biden have become a focal point for congressional Republicans, who have placed his business dealings at the centre of an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. While the White House has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the House Oversight Committee is actively investigating allegations of influence-peddling involving the president and his son.
As Hunter Biden faces the prospect of up to 17 years in prison if convicted on the tax charges, the legal battles continue to unfold, contributing to the broader political discourse around the Biden family's business dealings.
