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Hamid Karzai accused of blocking arrest of official
Sediq Chakari, former minister of Hajj, and who is thought to be in Britain has been under investigation into his alleged involvement in a kickback racket which made hundreds of thousands of pounds from poor pilgrims.
Karzai's palace allegedly vetoed his arrest because of his close links to former warlords within the government an international official in Kabul told The Daily Telegraph.
The case adds to continuing international frustration that Karzai is allegedly failing to honor promises to rein in rapacious corruption among his administration and allies.
Two of Chakari's staff were arrested last year allegedly carrying about £260,000 en route from Saudi Arabia where they were dispatched to lease accommodation for Afghan pilgrims.
Prosecutors believe officials were demanding up to £100 per pilgrim from hoteliers and transport firms with contracts to take pilgrims to Mecca.
Chakari, a British passport holder, strongly denied involvement when allegations first arose.