Mexico probes alleged Hezbollah financing-reports

MEXICO CITY, Oct 12 (Reuters) Mexican and U.S. agents are investigating a group in Mexico that they believe is funding Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, two newspapers reported today.

Mexico started the investigation three months ago on a request from the United States, which is helping in the probe, the daily El Universal said.

The alleged cell is suspected of financing Hezbollah rather than planning attacks itself, according to the Milenio newspaper.

The attorney general's office in Mexico has compiled a list of people and companies it believes have provided funds to support Hezbollah, the Milenio said, but no names were given.

Presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar declined to comment on the reports.

Mexico is home to a large Lebanese community including prominent business people such as telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim, the world's third richest man.

REUTERS PR ND2032