Court filings reveal that Devon Archer, a business partner of Hunter Biden, has not repaid any of the tens of millions of dollars he owes to a Native American tribe he defrauded, despite being ordered to do so by a New York judge. Manhattan federal prosecutors noted that more than a month has passed since Archer was issued a demand for payment, which now totals $43,954,416.75.
Assistant US Attorney Melissa Childs stated in the writ of garnishment that "as of April 5, 2023, Archer has paid nothing toward the judgment and the outstanding restitution balance." Prosecutors are seeking to seize property controlled by Archer from a trust company and a life insurance company to begin the repayment process, according to the court filing.
US District Judge Ronnie Abrams must approve the prosecutors' request before they can proceed. Archer's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In February 2022, Archer was sentenced to over a year in prison following his conviction on conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud charges for his role in the scheme to defraud the Oglala Sioux tribe. Archer has been permitted to remain free while he appeals his conviction and sentence.
Archer and his co-defendants issued a community corporation controlled by the Native American tribe approximately $60 million in bonds. Instead of providing the promised annuity, they used the funds to create a "financial services mega company," according to prosecutors.
In a sentencing submission for Archer, prosecutors wrote, "Archer became a key player in the scheme, anticipating that, when the scheme succeeded, he would helm the resulting conglomerate and, ultimately, reap massive profits from its sale."
Prior to his involvement in the fraud scheme, Archer had a close relationship with Hunter Biden, securing the president's son a seat on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company. Biden was not implicated in the Native American fraud scheme. Archer also held a board position at Burisma, a fact highlighted by his attorney in a court filing before his sentencing in the bond case.