Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima has been arrested on allegations that he accepted money in exchange for awarding government contracts, the country's anti-corruption agency says.
He is accused of receiving $280,000 (£230,000) from a British businessman "and other items", a statement says.
Mr Chilima has appeared in court but has not commented on the charges.
He had already been stripped of his powers in June when he was first accused by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The Vice President faces six charges relating to corruption.
The British businessman, named as Zuneth Sattar, was arrested in the UK in October last year and is now on bail.
He is accused of using connections with senior Malawi government officials and politicians to fraudulently obtain contracts to supply goods and services.
The contracts related to armoured personnel carriers, food rations and water cannons, the Financial Times reported in May.
Mr Sattar has denied any wrong doing.
Mr Chilima came to power in 2020 as the running mate of President Lazarus Chakwera.
He had previously campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, promising to end decades of sleaze in government and ending poverty in one of the worlds most poorest countries.
"Corruption has the power to rupture a country and its people beyond repair. Corruption has the power to make a government lose its legitimacy over its people," the Vice President is quoted in a 2021 Anti-Corruption Bureau newsletter as saying.
Latest Stories
-
Energy sector CSOs challenge President Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
9 mins -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
18 mins -
We don’t feel safe after inconsiderate conduct of Regional Minister – Ashanti ECG staff
1 hour -
Ghana needs urgent reset and inspiring leadership – Mahama
2 hours -
Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC: Don’t be complacent, election 2024 victory isn’t assured yet
2 hours -
Ongoing power crisis worst in the 4th Republic- Alhassan Suhuyini
2 hours -
Power challenges would be over in the next few days – Herbert Krapa
2 hours -
Full text: Acceptance speech by Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate
2 hours -
Government’s fiscal adjustment on track – Report
2 hours -
Commercial drivers damn threats, unilaterally hike transport fares
3 hours -
Restore dignity to Vice President’s office – Fifi Kwetey to Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang
3 hours -
Women face mounting pressures, feel unsafe at workplace – Deloitte
3 hours -
Bright Simons asks: Where is the KPMG report on SML contract audit?
3 hours -
GEXIM to celebrate Ghanaian workers with “Workers’ Mart Tuesday Market”
4 hours -
Ghanaians need honesty on the part of the government – Alhassan Suhuyini
5 hours