The Government is investigating reported payments by generic producers to insure that inferior products passed Federal quality control inspections.

The S.E.C. has separately been investigating payments that pension consultants may receive to refer money managers to corporate 401(k) plans.

He agreed to cooperate with prosecutors investigating improper payments from sports agents to college athletes.

Among other things, Federal agents are investigating payments for the use of catheters to correct irregular heartbeats.

Cambridge's problems began last year when Texas investigated possible improper payments to its players and gave information it had gathered to the N.C.A.A.

Officers from Scotland Yard are currently conducting Operation Elveden in an effort to investigate inappropriate payments by journalists to police.

Refco's creditors, meanwhile, said in a bankruptcy court filing yesterday that they were investigating payments made to some former company executives.

Lawlor was one of a number of local councillors who were called as witnesses before the Mahon Tribunal investigating planning and payments in County Dublin.

She was arrested under Operation Elveden by police investigating inappropriate payments to police.

The California insurance commissioner, John Garamendi, has announced that he is also investigating such payments.