Leader of Pakistan's MQM party arrested in London on suspicion of money-laundering

LONDON – British police have arrested leading Pakistani politician Altaf Hussain on suspicion of money-laundering.

Police in Britain do not name suspects until they are charged. But when asked about Hussain, the Metropolitan Police said a 60-year-old had been detained at a residence in northwest London on Tuesday. Detectives were searching the property.

Hussain, who is 60, heads the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, or MQM, one of Pakistan's major political parties.

He has lived in Britain since 1992 but regularly addresses large gatherings in Pakistan by telephone link.

In 2010 another MQM politician, Imran Farooq, was stabbed to death in a daylight street attack in London. The slaying sparked riots in Karachi, where the party has its biggest base of support.