ace....what basis for investigation?
You still havent identified a federal law under which Countrywide could be investigated or the basis for an ethics investigation.
The DoJ cant investigate the company for questionable contract or real estate law practices or being "unethical" (not a crime).
At the very least, Obama's STOP FRAUD act would provide the DoJ with the legal authority to conduct an investigation (with greater assistance from state/local law enforcement agencies) and assess criminal penalties under federal law for predatory lending.
STOP FRAUD Act provides the first federal definition of mortgage fraud, increases funding for federal and state law enforcement programs, creates new criminal penalties for mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud, and requires industry insiders to report suspicious activity.
Any mortgage professional who commits "mortgage fraud" as defined under this law (Sec 1351-a) shall be fined not more than $5,000,000, or imprisoned not more than 35 years, or both.
Now that provides a basis for a DoJ investigation!