Senator Chuck Grassley disclosed explosive allegations Monday, revealing the existence of 17 audio recordings purportedly documenting conversations between a Burisma executive and both Joe and Hunter Biden. These recordings, according to Grassley, were mentioned in an FBI FD-1023 form and served as an "insurance policy" for the executive. The form, which details interviews with a highly credible confidential source, reportedly alleges a bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a foreign national, potentially influencing U.S. policy.
Grassley's revelations, delivered from the Senate floor, highlighted a redacted reference within the FD-1023 form, suggesting the Burisma executive possessed 15 recordings of calls with Hunter Biden and two recordings of calls with Joe Biden. He criticized the FBI's lack of cooperation with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena, emphasizing the need for public transparency and the release of the unredacted document.
Grassley also pointed to indications within the FD-1023 that then-Vice President Biden may have been involved in Burisma's hiring of Hunter Biden. He demanded accountability from the Department of Justice and the FBI, urging them to disclose their investigative actions and questioning their credibility.
The handling of the FD-1023 form has been contentious, with the FBI initially briefing only select committee members before eventually allowing all members to view a redacted version. A source familiar with the situation revealed that the section referencing the audio recordings was initially unredacted but later redacted for the full committee briefing.
The confidential source, as detailed in the form, reportedly engaged in conversations with the Burisma executive regarding strategies for securing U.S. oil rights. The executive allegedly dismissed Hunter Biden as "dumb" and explained the necessity of paying the Bidens due to an ongoing investigation by Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin. The form reportedly mentions a $5 million payment to each Biden, described as a "retainer" or a "pay-to-play" scheme.
The Burisma executive allegedly boasted about the complexity of the payment scheme, making it difficult to trace. The document also references "the Big Guy," purportedly referring to Joe Biden, although the executive claimed not to have paid him directly.
The White House has denied any involvement by President Biden in his son's business dealings. Hunter Biden is currently under federal investigation for his tax affairs, an investigation that began in 2018.
