Inquiry opens into fugitive pardoned by Clinton

An investigation has been opened into the pardonning of fugitive financier Marc Rich by Bill Clinton.

It is alleged the inquiry will try to find if there was a "transfer of money to buy the pardon".

Mr Rich was wanted on charges of evading $48m in taxes, fraud and participating in illegal oil deals with Iran.

He was indicted in New York in 1983, shortly after he fled to Switzerland.

The pardon on January 20 was one of 141 by Bill Clinton, who also commuted the sentences of 36 others on his final day in office.

The investigation will examine bank records, telephone records and various other documents.