Hunter Biden, the son of US President Joe Biden, was formally charged on Thursday with unlawfully purchasing a firearm during a period of substance abuse. 

The charges come just two days after Republicans in Congress launched an impeachment investigation against Joe Biden, alleging that he benefited financially from his son’s international business transactions while serving as vice president.

Hunter is accused of making false statements on forms required for the 2018 gun purchase, claiming that he was not illegally using drugs at the time. 

He is also accused of unlawfully possessing the firearm for 11 days in October 2018. If convicted on all three charges, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. 

The indictment was filed by Justice Department Special Counsel David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2018 for various allegations, most of which pertain to his international business dealings.