The deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein is alleged to have made millions out of the United Nations oil-for-food programme.

The United Nations has launched a probe into allegations the ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has received million dollars from the oil-for-food programme.  He is also alleged to have bribed foreigners to support his regime.

The UN had asked for information from the Iraq's Governing Council and the United States-led Coalition Authority, but hadn't received any response.

The probe is being conducted by United Nations' auditing office.

"The Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is proceeding as best it can with its probe, talking to UN and former Oil-for-Food personnel, as well as people outside the organisation," UN chief spokesman Fred Eckhard said.

The programme was dismantled after Hussein was ousted and the coalition took over the administration of the country.

The Governing Council had ordered its oil ministry to collect information about the allegation after reports that some 270 former Cabinet ministers, legislators, political activists and journalists from more than 46 countries had profited from the Iraqi oil sales.

The programme, established by the Security Council, allowed Iraq to sell oil under strict UN supervision in order to purchase food, medicines and other essential commodities.

Contracts had to be approved by the Security Council Sanctions Committee, in which all council members were represented. But it is alleged that Iraq fixed sale price of its oil lower than the market price and gained hugely from them.