WASHINGTON—A bombshell email, unearthed by House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, reveals a bank investigator’s deep-seated unease regarding funds originating from China that flowed to Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. As detailed in a compelling new Wall Street Journal column by Kimberly Strassel, the investigator’s concerns centered around the suspicion that these funds were detached from any legitimate business activities. This revelation casts a stark light on the financial dealings of the Biden family and raises serious questions about potential influence peddling. The investigator’s alarm bells specifically pointed to Chinese money that ultimately contributed to the now-infamous $40,000 check directed to Joe Biden.
WSJ Opinion on Biden Family Finances
Key Takeaways from the Bank Investigator’s Email:
According to The Wall Street Journal, the “red-flag document,” as described by Chairman Comer, originates from a June 2018 email penned by a seasoned internal bank investigator. This expert, trained to detect financial irregularities and money laundering schemes, flagged suspicious transactions within an account linked to a Hunter Biden joint venture. The investigator’s email to a bank executive explicitly states that Hunter Biden was under scrutiny due to his designation as a PEP – a “politically exposed person.” This classification, PEP, is reserved for clients who carry a heightened risk of bribery and corruption due to their political connections. The investigator articulated that “account activity” coupled with “negative news” surrounding Hunter Biden elevated him to a “high risk” client status.
The Wall Street Journal opinion piece further emphasizes the investigator’s pointed query: “The investigator queried why anyone was getting paid ‘millions in fees’ when ‘it does not appear’ there were ‘services rendered.’” This central question strikes at the heart of the matter, suggesting that the financial transactions lacked a clear, justifiable business purpose, a hallmark of potential money laundering operations.
Concerns Over Chinese Funds and Hunter Biden’s Business Dealings
While previous scrutiny has focused on whether Hunter Biden properly declared taxes on his overseas income, the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, as highlighted by the Wall Street Journal, delves into the fundamental nature of these transactions. Investigators are probing what tangible services Hunter Biden provided to warrant such substantial payouts. The bank investigator, deeply concerned that the influx of Chinese money into Hunter’s account was disconnected from legitimate business activities, explicitly recommended that the bank reassess its ‘relationship with the customer.’ This recommendation underscores the gravity of the investigator’s suspicions and the potential financial and reputational risks associated with maintaining the account.
The email from the bank investigator also referenced media reports detailing Hunter Biden’s “extravagant spending,” suggesting it might have created a “deep financial hole” for his family. Furthermore, the investigator noted reports of “China targeting children of politicians and purchase of political influence through ‘sweetheart deals.’” Crucially, The Wall Street Journal emphasizes that this email predates the public emergence of Hunter Biden’s laptop and the subsequent congressional investigations, highlighting that these concerns were raised independently and prior to the widespread controversy.
The $40,000 Payment to Joe Biden
Adding another layer of complexity, The Wall Street Journal points to bank records obtained by the House Oversight Committee. These records reveal that a significant portion – at least $40,000 – of the $5 million originating from China ultimately landed in Joe Biden’s bank account. This transfer was channeled through Joe Biden’s brother, James Biden, and was recorded as a “loan repayment.”
Despite attempts by Democrats and media outlets to downplay this transaction as a mere loan, The Wall Street Journal argues that this explanation obscures a more troubling reality. The evidence, as detailed in the Wall Street Journal and supported by documents released by the Oversight Committee, “all points to Joe being well aware of Hunter’s business forays.” This awareness is allegedly demonstrated through instances of Joe Biden participating in Hunter’s business meetings, entertaining potential clients, and even allowing Hunter to accompany him on Air Force Two for business-related engagements. The historical business partnership between Hunter and James Biden further strengthens the connections within the family’s financial network.
In conclusion, the Wall Street Journal opinion piece, anchored by the bank investigator’s email, paints a concerning picture of potential financial misconduct within the Biden family. While stopping short of alleging direct illegal actions by Joe Biden, the Wall Street Journal suggests he “did aid Hunter in his brand selling, and money from that selling ended up in his account.” The ongoing House Oversight Committee investigation promises to further scrutinize these financial flows and the extent of Joe Biden’s awareness and potential involvement.
READ MORE: Bank Investigator Raised Concerns About Money from China that Ultimately Funded $40,000 Payment to Joe Biden
Biden Family Investigation
CLICK HERE to read the full opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal.
