What Led to Spitzer's Downfall? Stupidity, Of Course

Well, that and his penchant for hookers, which brought him to some curious wire transfers that tipped off the feds. Hey, maybe he can blame Bush now.

A previously undisclosed document reveals in new detail today how the state's hooker happy ex-governor, Eliot Spitzer, sowed the seeds of his own downfall with a suspicious bank transaction.

The countdown to Spitzer's eventual March 2008 resignation amid charges he had patronized a high-priced prostitute began more than six months earlier when he asked his Manhattan bank to strip his name and account ID from a $5,000 wire transfer to a shell company, The Albany Times Union reported.

Granting the Aug. 6, 2007, request would have violated federal anti-money laundering regulations.

Instead, the banking branch -- then known as North Fork Bank -- rejected the request by Spitzer's private banker, Adam Brenner, and filed a suspicious activity report with federal authorities, according to the newspaper, which obtained a copy of the five-page document.

"In response, Mr. Brenner pointed out that a prior transaction in the amount of $10,000 had previously been processed similarly on July 11, 2007, between these same parties," the bank's SAR states.

"The August 6th wire transfer was denied and later processed as an internal bank transfer between the two clients' accounts."

The firm slated to receive the funds turned out to be, QAT Consulting Group, a front company run by Cecil G. Suwal, hooker booker for Emperors Club.

Months later, the feds filed an indictment that charged managers of the elite escort service and identified Spitzer by his now infamous moniker "Client 9."

"Mr. Brenner reported that he spoke directly with the customer, Mr. Spitzer, who advised that the purpose of the transfer to QAT was to pay a personal expense," the report states.

"Mr. Brenner further stated that the customer did not wish to elaborate, however did state that he is sensitive to the bank's position and going forward will transfer funds through the proper channels."

Spitzer was not prosecuted in the case -- even though his transactions involved interstate fund transfers and hookers who crossed state lines to have sex with him.

You'd think a supposedly brihgt guy like Spitzer would follow Rule No. 1 when it comes to hookers: Always pay cash.