In Brief: Helms to Probe Russian Laundering Scandal

plans to investigate the Russian money-laundering scandal involving Bank of New York, and has tentatively scheduled hearings for Sept. 23 and Sept. 30.

Also, House Banking Committee Chairman Jim Leach told fellow committee Republicans on Monday that he plans to expand his inquiry. The Iowa Republican said he would hold more hearings this fall in addition to those already set for Sept. 21-22.

Witness lists were not yet available.

Sen. Helms is stepping into a void left by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm, who has said he does not see a need to hold hearings because federal authorities are already investigating the matter.

Bank of New York said in August that it was cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York in the probe.

Since last fall, federal authorities have been looking into whether as much as $10 billion may have been laundered through nine accounts at Bank of New York. Two employees in the bank's Eastern European division have been fired. Another has been placed on administrative leave. -- Dean Anason and Liz Moyer

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