Enron, Creditors Seek OK to Sue Ex-Officers

ENERGY

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Enron Corp. and its creditors sought a federal judge’s permission to sue 10 former officers of the energy company, including Chairman Kenneth L. Lay, Chief Executive Jeffrey K. Skilling and Chief Financial Officer Andrew S. Fastow.

The move comes as people familiar with the case say Fastow plans to surrender to federal authorities in Houston as soon as today.

The company and creditors said their request should be heard on an emergency basis because Fastow and others “may try upon learning of the filing of this lawsuit to dissipate assets” that should be used to repay Enron creditors, owed at least $50 billion.

Enron and the creditors panel sought permission from Judge Arthur J. Gonzalez to file lawsuits in a Texas court alleging fraud, civil conspiracy, gross negligence and other violations of legal obligations.