Schumer: US Should Investigate BP-Libya Deal

Sen. Charles Schumer says the U.S. Justice Department should investigate whether the embattled oil company BP engaged in an illegal deal to secure the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi in exchange for access to Libyan oil fields.

Schumer and three other U.S. senators asked the State Department last week to investigate whether there was a quid pro quo for the Lockerbie bomber's release.


Schumer said Sunday that the U.S. Justice Department should investigate whether BP violated the Foreign Corrupt Services Act.

He said the United States could initiate an investigation because BP has substantial assets here.

BP gained temporary control of its broken well in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday and is hoping to shut it off permanently within weeks.