An IRS special agent involved in a federal probe into Hunter Biden’s taxes has sought whistleblower protection to provide Congress with sensitive disclosures about the probe.
Mark D. Little, an attorney for the unnamed IRS employee, wrote in a letter to a bipartisan group of lawmakers Wednesday that he represents a “career IRS Criminal Supervisory Special Agent who is leading an ongoing and sensitive investigation of a high-profile, controversial… subject since early 2020” and seeks protected whistleblower disclosures to Congress.
While Lytle did not name Biden in the letter, which was obtained by NBC News, a source familiar with the matter who also verified its authenticity said the investigation was part of a federal probe into the finances of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter. refers to.
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According to Lytle, the IRS special agent is prepared to provide information that “would contradict sworn testimony to Congress by a senior political appointee,” reveal failures to handle an “apparent conflict of interest” in the case and “preferential treatment.” and politics” improperly infecting decisions and protocols.
Lytle said his client notified the offices of the inspector general at both the IRS and the Treasury Department, which oversees the Justice Department, through “legally protected disclosures.”
The Treasury Department and Little did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Justice Department and the IRS declined to comment.
Lytle proposed meeting with lawmakers to determine the way forward, saying that his client had withheld sharing some details, making it “challenging for me to make a fully informed decision how to proceed.” Is.”
James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, whose panel is investigating the Biden family’s finances, called the allegations in Lytle’s letter “concerning.”
Comer, R-Q. “It is deeply concerning that the Biden administration may be obstructing justice by stalling its efforts to charge Hunter Biden for tax violations,” it said in a statement. Have been IRS. Now it appears the Biden administration may be working overtime to prevent Biden from facing any consequences.”
Comer was not one of the nine recipients of Lytle’s letter, which was sent to the top Democrats and Republicans on the House and Senate Judiciary and tax-writing committees. It was also sent to Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo. said in a statement that his panel “looks forward to sitting down with this individual immediately to better understand the scope and details of the concerns raised. The committee takes any allegations seriously.” Misconduct by government officials or offices and on behalf of American taxpayers will address concerns that have been brought to our attention.”
NBC News did not immediately have a response from the other committees or from Grassley.
