High-level police, ex-officers arrested in French investigation into leaks

PARIS – Top-level police and former officers are under arrest in France in an investigation into leaks.

Stephane Le Foll, the government spokesman, confirmed arrests of "high-level police," and Bernard Cazeneuve, France's top security official called for an end to leaks of information while investigations continue.

It is normally illegal under French law to release names or other details while a case is under investigation — a process that can take months or even years. Europe 1 radio reported that among those arrested Wednesday was Bernard Petit, head of the judicial police, and said Petit is under investigation over leaks to a suspect in an ongoing probe.

Cazeneuve denounced what he called the "little game" of communicating about ongoing inquiries. The rule is routinely violated by officials who provide information to journalists.