The Bush administration believes as much as $3 billion from deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's regime is in Syrian banks, CNN said quoting a Treasury Department official Monday.

The official said the US expects Syria to cooperate in finding and returning the money to the Iraqi people.

He added the US is concerned the money is possibly being withdrawn by remnants of Saddam's regime to use in committing terrorist attacks against Iraqi civilians and American troops.

"That is why it is very important to secure this money," he said.  The official said the US has given the Syrian government "very specific information," including account numbers at two Syrian banks believed to be holding the Iraqi money.  Syrian officials did not return calls from CNN seeking comment.

The US has been hunting frantically for the billions Saddam Hussein -- once named by Forbes magazine as the third richest ruler in the world -- is believed to have hidden away before disappearing.

Agencies