U.S. District Judge Otis Wright ordered Smirnov to remain in detention ahead of his trial, agreeing with prosecutors who argued that he posed a high flight risk. Smirnov, 43, has been transferred from Nevada to California for his trial, where he faces charges of peddling lies that could impact U.S. elections.

Prosecutors allege that Smirnov falsely claimed that Burisma executives paid then-Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter $5 million each around 2015. This false statement formed part of the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Smirnov is charged with making a false statement and creating a false and fictitious record. Prosecutors emphasized his wide range of connections and highlighted a bank account under his girlfriend's name containing $3.7 million as reasons he should not be released on bail.

Despite Smirnov's defense lawyers offering to pay for 24/7 private security and renting an apartment in Los Angeles for the trial's duration to prevent him from fleeing, Judge Wright remained unconvinced. The defense argued that Smirnov had already invested significant funds in fighting the charges, indicating he had no intention to flee. The judge, however, expressed concerns about the possibility of Smirnov evading jurisdiction and therefore denied the bail release.