UPDATE, 8:10 PM:
Scotland Yard has blocked the release of the names of several News of the World journalists who ordered a private detective to hack into mobile phones belonging to six public figures. The agency declined comment today but has in the past prevented the release of facts surrounding the case on the grounds its investigation would be compromised.  The names could show how widespread the practice was at the paper, which was closed down by Rupert Murdoch last month.

PREVIOUS, 3:54 PM: While Rupert Murdoch and his son James await a likely summons to the UK High Court to answer more questions under oath about News Corp’s involvement in the News of the World phone-hacking scandal, there is a report today that lawyers for News Corp arm News International are looking into reporting practices, financial records and emails at their UK newspapers — specifically to see whether there’s anything there that could be construed as violations of the U.S.’ Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Meanwhile, the inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice that would include questions to Rupert and James Murdoch could get underway by October. Prime Minister David Cameron and other politicians also could be called. A UK Telegraph report said letter already have been sent to potential witnesses, who also could include former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, both former NOTW editors.

The revelations come amid an FBI-led probe in the U.S. that seeks to find out whether some of the illegal practices used at the now-defunct News of the World — namely hacking phones of the families of London bombing victims and murdered children — could have happened here to the families of 9/11 victims. The Murdochs are attempting to uncover publicly the extent of the phone-hacking as at least one U.S.-based analyst has downgraded News Corp stock while Wall Street questions what exactly to make of the company, which consistently beats earnings estimates but has taken a severe PR hit with the scandal that already has cost News Corp its bid to buy UK giant BSkyB.

While Rupert Murdoch and his son James await a likely summons to the UK High Court to answer more questions under oath about News Corp’s involvement in the News of the World phone-hacking scandal, there is a report today that lawyers for News Corp arm News International are looking into reporting practices, financial records and emails at their UK newspapers — specifically to see whether there’s anything there that could be construed as violations of the U.S.’ Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Meanwhile, the inquiry at the Royal Courts of Justice that would include questions to Rupert and James Murdoch could get underway by October. Prime Minister David Cameron and other politicians also could be called. A UK Telegraph report said letter already have been sent to potential witnesses, who also could include former News International CEO Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, both former NOTW editors.

The revelations come amid an FBI-led probe in the U.S. that seeks to find out whether some of the illegal practices used at the now-defunct News of the World — namely hacking phones of the families of London bombing victims and murdered children — could have happened here to the families of 9/11 victims. The Murdochs are attempting to uncover publicly the extent of the phone-hacking as at least one U.S.-based analyst has downgraded News Corp stock while Wall Street questions what exactly to make of the company, which consistently beats earnings estimates but has taken a severe PR hit with the scandal that already has cost News Corp its bid to buy UK giant BSkyB.