Media: CIA collecting data on international money transfers

The US Central Intelligence Agency is collecting records of international money transfers under the same law that the National Security Agency uses to collect Americans' phone and Internet records, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

The data, which includes records from companies such as Western Union Co, is part of a database of financial and personal information authorized under the Patriot Act, the newspapers reported, citing unnamed current and former government officials. The CIA declined to comment on specific programs to both newspapers but said operations comply with the law. (Reuters)