ALERT 98-10
Type: Unauthorized Banking
Subject: Bank of Business Western Samoa
Date: March 23, 1998

TO:  Chief Executive Officers of all National Banks; all State
     Banking Authorities; Chairman, Board of Governors of the
     Federal Reserve System; Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance
     Corporation; Conference of State Bank Supervisors; Deputy
     Comptrollers (Districts); District Counsel and Examining
     Personnel


RE:  Bank of Business Western Somoa
     12-A Nampacia-Center            
     Apia Upolu, Samoa
     and
     6223 NE 8th Avenue
     Portland, OR 97211-3760     

Information has been received that the subject entity may be
operating a banking business in the United States without
authorization.  Further, the State Oregon Department of Insurance
& Finance has advised that the subject entity has not been
granted permission to operate in Oregon.  Further, the government
of Samoa stated that no banking license has been issued to this
entity.  

Any information which you may have concerning this matter should
be brought to the attention of:
                    Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
                    Enforcement & Compliance Division
                    250 E Street, SW
                    Washington, DC  202l9
                    Fax (202) 874-5301



                                      
Daniel P. Stipano
Director
Enforcement & Compliance Division