Let G be an arbitrary group. If a epsilon ZG satisfies a(2) = 0, a not
equal 0, then the units 1 + a, 1 + a generate a nonabelian free subg
roup of units. As an application we show that if G is contained in an
almost subnormal subgroup V of units in ZG then either V contains a no
nabelian free subgroup or all finite subgroups of G are normal. This w
as known before to be true for finite groups G only.