Kosovo's Central Bank Governor Arrested In EU Corruption Probe

Police escort Hashim Rexhepi (2nd left) after his arrest in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on July 23.

European Union law enforcement officials say Kosovo's Central Bank Governor Hashim Rexhepi has been arrested after police searched his home and office in a corruption investigation.

A statement by the European Union Police and Justice mission said the searches were part of an "ongoing corruption and financial investigation into suspicion of abusing official position or authority, accepting bribes, tax evasion, trading in influence, and money laundering."

Rexhepi's arrest was confirmed by local police and by Blerim Krasniqi, a spokesman for the EU rule of law mission in Kosovo (EULEX).

Searches also were carried out at the homes and Central Bank offices of three other suspects.

compiled from agency reports