Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov isn't having the best month.

He was arrested earlier this month after prosecutors charged him with lying about a $5 million bribery scheme involving Joe Biden and Hunter Biden.

According to NBC News, federal prosecutors convinced a judge that Smirnov was a flight risk, which prompted the judge to order law enforcement to re-arrest him.

Smirnov was originally released by a federal magistrate judge in Nevada with the condition that he wear a GPS monitor.

What's happening?

A federal judge in California this week ordered his arrest, once again, after prosecutors said he was "likely" to flee the country, which was based on information regarding his alleged high-level contacts with Russian intelligence officials.

The judge explained in a statement why he ordered the former FBI informant's re-arrest.

"It has come to this Court’s attention that counsel for defendant has sought an emergency hearing in the District of Nevada to arrange the release of Defendant Smirnov, likely to facilitate his absconding from the United States," an order from U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright said.

The judge added that he "issued an arrest warrant specifying that upon his arrest Defendant should be brought promptly to this Court."

U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright has ordered the re-arrest of star GOP witness / FBI informant / Russian mole Alexander Smirnov, who's now held without bond amid indications that his lawyers may have been trying to help him flee the country. 😲 pic.twitter.com/IUH61wzb73

— Donald R. Koelper (@Donald_from_HI) February 24, 2024

NBC News noted:

Wright ordered the U.S. Marshals Service to bring Smirnov to his courtroom in Los Angeles for a hearing on Monday, and that "there is to be no deviation from this Order."

What about impeachment?

Smirnov's initial information regarding the bribes was described as "central" to the House Republican-led impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. His arrest and subsequent charges prompted new questions regarding the status of the impeachment process.

House Republican leaders have downplayed Smirnov's arrest and charges, and vowed to press on with the impeachment inquiry given that there are many other reasons why it's happening.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) pointed to bank records and Chinese business dealings that will play a significant role in the impeachment process.

Only time will tell what happens with Smirnov. His story and involvement are not likely to be finished just yet.