U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, delivers a support speech to his father at the Democratic National Convention in August. He said in a statement that he is being investigated by the prosecution for tax issues on the 9th (local time). [로이터=연합뉴스]
– U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, said on the 9th (local time) that he was being investigated by the prosecution on tax matters. It is said that Biden, who promised “independence of the Ministry of Justice”, was on the first trial because it is inevitable to be summoned by the prosecutors and the elected person himself may be sparked.
Hunter Biden “Prosecutors are investigating tax issues”
CNN “Accounts of tax violations in business with China”
“Not my Ministry of Justice, but the People’s Ministry of Justice”
Biden promises “independence of the Ministry of Justice”, first test
– Hunter Biden said in a statement that day, “I learned yesterday that the federal prosecutors of the Delaware state are investigating tax issues.” “We take this very seriously,” he added. “We will prove that we have handled the (tax) matter legally and appropriately through a professional and objective review.”
It is reported that this statement came out as CNN’s coverage of the tax investigation proceeded. According to CNN’s citations from multiple investigative officials, Hunter’s allegations are violations of tax laws and money laundering laws in the course of dealings with foreign countries, particularly in China.
Although the premise was “a common occurrence when doing business with China,” the FBI said that it is believed that people related to counterintelligence issues were also involved. It is known that the Delaware federal prosecutors will sooner or later subpoena Hunter Biden, and will begin a full-fledged investigation with the IRS and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
The first relevant investigation began in 2018. Even before the presidential election, specific clues came out, but CNN reported that the investigation was delayed in recent months due to the Ministry of Justice’s regulations banning legal action in cases that could affect the election.
Hunter’s overseas business-related suspicions arose once before the presidential election. As the contents of the laptop computer containing business and private life data were leaked, the conservative New York Post and others reported on the related information in October.
Biden-elect’s side warned that the aftermath of the investigation would grow five days before the electoral vote (14th). The transition committee also issued a statement that day, saying, “Biden-elect is very proud of his son, who has faced difficult tasks, including the brutal attacks that have taken place in recent months.”
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Vice President Joe Biden (right), who visited China on December 5, 2013, and his son Hunter Biden (left) tour the streets of Beijing, China. President-elect Biden said in a media interview last week that “I will keep the Ministry of Justice independent of political influence.” [EPA=연합뉴스]
– Last week, Biden-elect told CNN that he would keep the Ministry of Justice independent of political influence.
“I won’t tell them what to do and what they shouldn’t do,” he said. “I won’t tell them to prosecute A, B or C.” He also emphasized that “it is not his role,” and “it is not my Ministry of Justice, but the Ministry of Justice of the people.”
To date, it is known that Biden-elect has not been involved in the case. However, there are concerns that after becoming president, the Republican party will continue to hear voices pointing out conflicts of interest in dealing with China’s issues.
Interest is also drawn to the first attorney general of the Biden government, which has not yet been decided. This is because questions on this matter will be poured out from the Senate approval hearing. CNN reported that “this investigation became an immediate test bed for Biden who promised to maintain the independence of the Ministry of Justice.”
Washington = Correspondent Pilkyu Kim [email protected]
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