IRS Whistleblowers Sue Hunter Biden’s Lawyer for Defamation, Seek $20 Million

Two IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, have filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against Abbe Lowell, the attorney representing Hunter Biden. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., accuses Lowell of maliciously damaging their reputations through public statements that falsely accused the whistleblowers of illegal activities. Shapley and Ziegler allege that Lowell’s actions were a direct response to their testimony, which exposed alleged political interference in the investigation of Hunter Biden’s tax crimes​.

The whistleblowers were instrumental in bringing to light claims that the Department of Justice gave preferential treatment to Hunter Biden during an investigation into his alleged tax violations. These revelations led to widespread scrutiny, including testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee. The lawsuit asserts that after their disclosures, Lowell, in an attempt to protect his high-profile client, falsely accused the agents of leaking grand jury materials and violating taxpayer confidentiality​.

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The legal complaint details that Lowell’s defamatory statements were made with clear malice, particularly his letters sent to multiple congressional committees, which were later leaked to the media. These communications accused Shapley and Ziegler of criminal acts, including the violation of grand jury secrecy and unauthorized leaks to the press. The whistleblowers argue that these statements were not only false but aimed at discrediting their whistleblowing actions, severely harming their professional and personal lives.

In response, the lawsuit highlights the significant harm done by Lowell’s stature as a leading white-collar defense lawyer. His accusations, amplified by his reputation, had a damaging effect on the careers and reputations of both Shapley and Ziegler.

Biden Crime Family:

"The testimony we released today shows the IRS recommended charges against Hunter that included an attempt to evade or defeat tax a felony. Mr. Biden personally received $8.3 million."pic.twitter.com/4scWomf4lS

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 22, 2023

The two IRS agents, who have spent years working in criminal investigations, claim that the defamation has caused them irreparable harm​.

Shapley and Ziegler's whistleblower status has been a contentious point, as their disclosures were pivotal in sparking the investigation into Hunter Biden’s tax issues. Despite the DOJ's eventual charges against Biden, the whistleblowers contend that the department's initial handling of the case was compromised due to political considerations. Hunter Biden later reached a plea deal related to tax offenses.

The legal battle between Lowell and the whistleblowers underscores the bitter and ongoing conflict surrounding the investigation into Hunter Biden, which has become a political lightning rod. The lawsuit, now pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks to hold Lowell accountable for what the plaintiffs describe as deliberate and malicious efforts to destroy their credibility. As the case moves forward, Shapley and Ziegler hope to clear their names and receive compensation for the significant personal and professional harm they claim to have endured​.

Lowell has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, this defamation case could have significant legal implications, especially as it draws more attention to the handling of the Hunter Biden investigation and the broader political controversies surrounding it.