Marc Rich and Pincus Green had been charged in 1983 and had stayed abroad rather than face trial. Their petition went straight to the White House, without the usual notice to prosecutors or the Pardon Attorney. [1][2]
Rich’s ex-wife, Denise Rich, a prominent Democratic donor, gave $450,000 to the Clinton library in three instalments from 1998 to May 2000 and lobbied for the pardon. She invoked the Fifth Amendment rather than answer the House committee’s questions. [6]
Pardon Attorney Roger Adams told the Senate that Justice Department rules do not bind the president. The House report “Justice Undone” criticised the process. The criminal inquiry into whether the pardon was bought closed in 2005 without charges. [3][4][5]

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