House Republicans are currently investigating whether the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) played a part in the alleged retaliation and “smear campaign” against IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler. These individuals brought forward claims of political influence in the Hunter Biden investigation to Congress. (source)
Shapley and Ziegler, who have been consistent in their testimony about misconduct and politicization in the Department of Justice’s criminal investigation of Hunter Biden, have faced retaliation for their actions. The whistleblowers have alleged political influence surrounding prosecutorial decisions throughout the Biden investigation, which began in 2018.
Shapley, who led the IRS’ portion of the Biden probe, and Ziegler, a 13-year special agent within the IRS’ Criminal Investigation Division, have claimed that decisions “at every stage” of the probe “had the effect of benefiting the subject of the investigation.”
Furthermore, Ziegler has stated that Biden “should have been charged with a tax felony, and not only the tax misdemeanor charge,” and that communications and text messages reviewed by investigators “may be a contradiction to what President Biden was saying about not being involved in Hunter’s overseas business dealings.”
The House Republican leadership and committee chairmen have requested a briefing to “better understand OSC’s conduct and to ensure that there has not been any improper influence on OSC’s investigation.” Shapley and Ziegler both have whistleblower retaliation claims pending before the OSC.
It is crucial to note that the role of the OSC is to protect whistleblowers, and it must conduct an impartial investigation of the claims of Mr. Shapley and Ziegler without improper influence from those seeking to smear these courageous individuals.
As a tax attorney, I can affirm that this case underscores the importance of upholding tax laws and the severe consequences faced by those who choose to evade taxes. It also highlights the critical role of whistleblowers in ensuring accountability and transparency in our legal and financial systems.