The US Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into a bankrupt energy company with ties to the Bush administration.
Enron Corporation, once the world's biggest energy trading firm, became the biggest corporate failure in American history when it collapsed last month.
While the focus of the investigation is unknown, it's likely to examine the heavy reliance on so-called off-balance-sheet partnerships which concealed its financial problems from investors. Reports say the scandal threatens to embroil the White House.
The Houston based company was the biggest contributor to President Bush's campaign to run for Governor of Texas. It has since advised the Bush administration on energy policy.
