The former director of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department Senator Samih al Battikhi was detained on Tuesday on charges related to the credit facilities fraud case which the major suspect Majd al Shamayleh who fled the country has been involved in.
Losses incurred in the case are estimated at 200 million dollars. Earlier, King Abdulla II gave the security authorities his orders to investigate the case with transparency regardless of the status of the persons involved.
The state security court prosecutor general ordered the detention of Battikhi after he was interrogated, informed sources said.
The detention of the former General Intelligence Department Director represents a major development in the case that has dominated the public discourse since it first surfaced in mid February.
Battikhi headed the General Intelligence Department between 1996-1999 during the late king Hussein’s tenure and continued in his post until October 2000 upon orders by King Abdulla II. He was appointed member of the Jordanian Senate Council by King Abdulla II and is still a member but without immunity.
Known Jordanian figures have been involved in the case which shocked the public. The prosecutor general ordered the detention of five other people. Two others were released weeks after being arrested in connection with the case.
The court has imposed a lien on the fungible and non-fungible assets of 150 companies and individuals and questioned more than 50 people in connection with the case in a move to avoid further losses.
The court has also imposed a ban on the news covering the investigation citing Article 38 of the Press and Publication Law but the Prime Minister said the trial would be open.
The Jordanian government is embarking on actions to be taken to bring Shamayleh, the number one suspect in the case, back home to appear before the court. (Albawaba.com)
