Today's pleas marked the 41st and 42d convictions or guilty pleas arising from the Justice Department's investigation of procurement fraud, known as Operation Ill Wind.

But Ms. Lango's guilty plea marked the latest chapter in what had become a bitter rivalry between the two women.

The plea marks the close of criminal proceedings in the case of the Golden Venture, officials said.

Mr. Walsh said his guilty plea marked "a significant advance in our investigation."

While Mr. Freeman's guilty plea marks the end of an important chapter in the investigation of corruption on Wall Street, it does not conclude his legal problems.

The guilty pleas by Mr. Ciccone, 39, marked a distinct departure from his public posturing on the investigation.

Mr. Rosen's plea marks an ignominious turn in a remarkable life.

The plea marked the broadest and most credible criticism to date of the Government's euro plans.

They also argued that Judge Nickerson should grant leniency because Mr. Volpe's guilty plea marked "his clear, complete and truthful acceptance of responsibility" for his actions.

Mr. Siddig Ali's guilty plea yesterday marked the second time that he had agreed to cooperate with the Government.