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CNN Sunday Morning

FBI Launches Investigation Into Saudi Money Trail

Aired November 24, 2002 - 07:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


RENAY SAN MIGUEL, CNN ANCHOR: Now, on to that Saudi money probe. Sources tell us there is evidence money for two of the September 11 hijackers came indirectly through the wife of the Saudi ambassador to Washington. Our justice correspondent, Kelli Arena, has more on this from Washington.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Sources say the FBI is investigating whether the September 11 hijackers received money from the Saudi Arabian government to help finance the attacks. An inquiry by the House/Senate joint Intelligence Committee suggests that there is evidence that shows money from the Saudi Arabian government made its way to two Saudi students in the United States, and then on to two of the hijackers when they were in California; namely Khalid Almidhar, and Nawaf Alhazmi.

Sources say there is some evidence money came through the wife of the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Princess Haifa Al-Faizal. A senior White House Official told CNN that the Saudi government is cooperating with the FBI investigation, however those officials say to date, there is no conclusive evidence the Saudi government intentionally funded any terror activities against the U.S.

There is a report that is being prepared by Congress also suggests that the FBI did not aggressively pursue leads concerning the Saudi government and terrorism. Officials deny the charge, and without commenting on any ongoing investigation, the FBI put out a statement saying that the two Saudi students, who according to sources received money from Princess Haifa, were charged with visa fraud. Sources say both those students are currently in Saudi Arabia.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired November 24, 2002 - 07:01   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RENAY SAN MIGUEL, CNN ANCHOR: Now, on to that Saudi money probe. Sources tell us there is evidence money for two of the September 11 hijackers came indirectly through the wife of the Saudi ambassador to Washington. Our justice correspondent, Kelli Arena, has more on this from Washington.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Sources say the FBI is investigating whether the September 11 hijackers received money from the Saudi Arabian government to help finance the attacks. An inquiry by the House/Senate joint Intelligence Committee suggests that there is evidence that shows money from the Saudi Arabian government made its way to two Saudi students in the United States, and then on to two of the hijackers when they were in California; namely Khalid Almidhar, and Nawaf Alhazmi.

Sources say there is some evidence money came through the wife of the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Princess Haifa Al-Faizal. A senior White House Official told CNN that the Saudi government is cooperating with the FBI investigation, however those officials say to date, there is no conclusive evidence the Saudi government intentionally funded any terror activities against the U.S.

There is a report that is being prepared by Congress also suggests that the FBI did not aggressively pursue leads concerning the Saudi government and terrorism. Officials deny the charge, and without commenting on any ongoing investigation, the FBI put out a statement saying that the two Saudi students, who according to sources received money from Princess Haifa, were charged with visa fraud. Sources say both those students are currently in Saudi Arabia.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com