The FBI is investigating four of the US financial giants caught out by the financial crisis hitting Wall Street for possible fraud, according to reports.
The FBI is said to be investigating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers and AIG, as well as their executives.
The move, according to CNN which reported the story, comes as part of the FBI’s broader investigation into mortgage fraud.
In June it was revealed that the US authorities had already arrested and charged more than 400 real estate brokers with undertaking fraudulent activities.
At the time, one FBI official warned that the arrests were simply a ‘good start’, while another said the bureau was keen to show it was ‘serious about these frauds and that we understand that if we don't take action against them it will create further problems for our economic future.’
An FBI spokesman confirmed to CNN that 26 firms were currently under investigation as part of the bureau's mortgage fraud inquiry.