In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley Jr., who oversaw the Hunter Biden probe, made claims that the Justice Department’s investigation into President Obama’s son was heavily influenced by politics. Shapley alleged that crucial steps were delayed and “the most substantive felony charges were left off the table” as the 2020 presidential election approached.
During the interview and his subsequent testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, Shapley revealed that DOJ prosecutors instructed investigators not to question witnesses regarding Vice President Biden. They also decided against acquiring search warrants related to President Biden’s son. Shapley stated that they were strictly forbidden from inquiring about specific names and were hindered in their pursuit of investigating any other individuals, including President Biden.
Shapley further claimed that assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf repeatedly attempted to limit inquiries about Joe Biden, preventing a thorough investigation into potential criminal activity related to Hunter Biden or President Biden.
According to Shapley, the investigation should have resulted in charges against Hunter Biden for filing fraudulent tax returns in 2018 and 2019, as well as tax evasion in 2014. He cited Hunter Biden’s failure to disclose earnings from Burisma Holdings on his tax returns for 2014, an issue previously reported by Fox News Digital.
Shapley disclosed that prosecutors had established probable cause and planned to execute search warrants at various locations between April and June 2020. However, as the election drew closer, the execution of these warrants was repeatedly postponed, despite meeting all necessary conditions. Shapley also alleged that DOJ prosecutors informed Hunter Biden’s defense team about the potential search warrant, compromising the chances of obtaining crucial evidence.
The whistleblower asserted that U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss, nominated by Trump, was constantly hampered and marginalized by DOJ officials, with decisions on whether to file charges resting with others. Shapley claimed that U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves denied Weiss’ request to file charges against Hunter Biden in March 2022.
Shapley expressed his frustration with the impediments faced during the investigation, which he believed concealed the true scope of what transpired. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation and the importance of ensuring a thorough probe.
The Department of Justice has denied interfering with the investigation, presenting a differing perspective on the matter.