He used the illicit money to maintain his second life, including five children, two mistresses who did not know of each other, and a gambling habit.

Indeed, as the enforcement of regulations on illicit money has tightened, Swiss banks have become more cooperative with investigators, he said.

The charge is funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit corporate money to Republican statehouse candidates in 2002.

"There is almost no way to trace illicit money," Mr. Pinsker said.

And no more illicit money to fret over, and dream about, and haul around, literally.

April 21: Former senator Eduardo Mestre is arrested in connection with an investigation of illicit money.

Politicians and newspaper editors say the use of illicit money has led to corruption on a vast scale.

Because it was unknown where the illicit money ended up, he said, he was worried that it may be helping to finance the insurgency in Iraq.

Typically, the trafficker pays for an expensive automobile, which can then be used or given away, in effect concealing the illicit money.

Sir Robert made his fortune with that illicit money, and Mrs. Cheveley has the letter to prove his crime.