IRS whistleblower who claims to have information of alleged mishandling of Hunter Biden probe removed from investigation

An IRS whistleblower who claims to have information about alleged mishandling and political interference in the ongoing criminal probe into Hunter Biden has been removed from the investigation into the president's son, attorneys for the whistleblower have told key congressional lawmakers.

Attorneys for the whistleblower sent a letter on Monday to a series of House and Senate Committee chairmen informing them of the change, adding that the whistleblower's investigative team has also been taken off the case, according to a copy of the letter obtained by CNN.

The attorneys - including Tristan Leavitt, President of Empower Oversight, and Mark Lytle - added that the whistleblower was "informed the change was at the request of the Department of Justice."

The letter states that it is an investigation of a "high-profile, controversial subject," which sources familiar with the matter have previously confirmed to CNN was Hunter Biden.

Federal prosecutors have spent years, spanning three attorneys general, investigating Hunter Biden and have weighed bringing charges against him for alleged tax crimes and a false statement, CNN has previously reported. So far, no charges have been filed. Hunter Biden has denied wrongdoing.

In a statement Tuesday, the IRS declined to comment on a specific taxpayer matter.

"In general, the IRS is deeply committed to protecting the role of whistleblowers, and there are robust processes and procedures in place to protect whistleblowers. As IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has stated, we will not tolerate retaliation against any IRS employee making a whistleblower allegation. When suggestions of wrongdoing are raised, we work with all appropriate parties, including the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, to ensure the integrity of the whistleblower process is safeguarded," according to an IRS statement.