Jordan holds ex-intelligence chief in graft probe

[February 09, 2012]  AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- A Jordanian prosecutor says he has ordered a powerful former intelligence chief to be detained for 14 days pending a probe on charges of embezzlement of public funds, money laundering and abuse of office.

Mohammed Sourani said Thursday that Mohammed al-Dahabi, who is the former head of the General Intelligence Department, will be held at al-Juweida prison outside the Jordanian capital Amman while the investigation is taking place.

Sourani says al-Dahabi is expected to answer to accusations brought against him by the money laundering and terrorism financing department of the country's Central Bank.

Jordan has investigated a number of former high profile officials in recent months in a bid to show it is serious about tackling graft and corruption.

[Associated Press]

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