The pair initially approached Donald Trump’s campaign, but a spokesman rejected the material and told them to take it to the FBI. According to court records, Kurlander texted Harris saying, “They want him to go to the FBI. There is no way [Trump] can use it. It has to be done in a different way.” They then approached Project Veritas, which describes itself as a news organization. The group is popular among conservatives for conducting hidden camera “stings” that seek to expose liberal biases in media, technology and government institutions. Project Veritas staff met with Kurlander and Harris in New York and agreed to pay an initial $10,000. They said more money could come if they recovered more of Ashley Biden’s belongings from the Florida home, in part to authenticate the diary, according to the court filing.
Higher payment sought
According to court documents, Kurlander then told Harris in a text, “They’re in a sketchy business and here they’re taking what is literally a stolen diary and information … and trying to make a story that will destroy [Ashley Biden’s life]” and possibly affect the upcoming presidential elections. Prosecutors said the couple took Ashley Biden’s stored tax documents, clothes and luggage. Kurlander pushed Project Veritas for a bigger payout, telling the team, “We’re taking huge risks.” A Project Veritas representative later flew to Florida and shipped the items to New York. The group paid Harris and Kurlander another $10,000 each, prosecutors said. The group ultimately decided not to publish its content because it could not confirm the diary’s authenticity and instead handed it over to law enforcement.
