WASHINGTON —  The CIA's top watchdog has opened an investigation into the agency's No. 3 official and his relationship with at least one defense contractor with alleged links to the bribery of a former congressman.

An agency official cautioned that the inspector general's review of the actions of CIA Executive Director Kyle "Dusty" Foggo was a routine response.

"It is standard practice for CIA's Office of Inspector General — an aggressive, independent watchdog — to look into assertions that mention agency officers. That should in no way be seen as lending credibility to any allegation," CIA spokesman Paul Gimigliano said Friday.

"Mr. Foggo has overseen many contracts in his decades of public service. He reaffirms that they were properly awarded and administered," Gimigliano said.

One of Foggo's closest friends, San Diego businessman Brent Wilkes, has been accused as an unindicted co-conspirator of taking part in a plot to bribe then-Rep. Randall "Duke" Cunningham.

The California Republican gave up his seat last year after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion and conspiracy. Cunningham was sentenced Friday to eight years and four months in prison.

Foggo joined the agency in 1982 and made a career handling logistical support for the CIA. In various positions, he would have overseen millions in contracts that get little, if any, public scrutiny because of their secretive nature.

Newsweek first reported the CIA watchdog's investigation this week.