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Hunter biden Inquiry: Latest Status (January 23, 2026)
Table of Contents
The federal investigation into Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, remains ongoing as of january 23, 2026, focusing on potential tax violations and foreign business dealings, though no new indictments have been issued as June 2024. The investigation has been led by Special counsel David Weiss, who was appointed in August 2023 to ensure impartiality.
Background and Initial Investigation
The investigation began in 2018, initially focusing on Hunter Biden’s business activities in Ukraine and China. Federal authorities scrutinized potential violations of tax laws, money laundering statutes, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The initial probe centered on his role wiht Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, and his dealings with Chinese entities.
Example: In December 2019, Hunter Biden released a statement acknowledging he was being investigated, but denied any wrongdoing. NBC news reported on the statement.
Tax Charges and Plea Deal (2023-2024)
In June 2023, Hunter Biden was expected to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges – failing to pay federal income tax in 2017 and 2018 – as part of a deal with prosecutors.The Department of Justice released the original plea agreement. Though, the plea deal fell apart during the court hearing due to disagreements over the scope of immunity from future prosecution.
Detail: Judge Maryellen Noreika raised concerns that the proposed agreement could shield Biden from prosecution on other potential charges,including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The judge refused to accept the plea deal as written.
Example: Following the failed plea deal, david Weiss was appointed as Special Counsel in August 2023 to continue the investigation. The Attorney General’s order appointing Weiss as Special Counsel details the scope of his authority.
Indictment and Trial (2024)
In June 2024, Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony counts related to illegal gun possession. The Department of Justice announced the indictment, alleging he knowingly made false statements when purchasing a firearm in 2018, while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. The trial began in early November 2024.
Detail: The gun charges stemmed from a form Biden signed when purchasing a revolver, where he attested he was not an unlawful user of drugs. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Biden was using crack cocaine at the time.
Example: Hunter Biden was convicted on all three counts in June 2024.
