TIRANA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj was arrested Monday under an order from Albania's Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime, following an investigation by the country's anti-graft watchdog.

The arrest was requested by the Special Prosecutor Against Corruption (SPAK), which has been investigating Veliaj and his close associates for some time.

SPAK has charged Veliaj and his wife, Ajola Xoxa, with corruption, money laundering, false declaration, and concealment of assets.

The investigation also extends to a ruling Socialist Party member of parliament and the chairwoman of the Laws Committee for allegedly obstructing the discovery of the truth in the case. Veliaj is also a member of the Socialist Party.

Veliaj was ordered to remain in custody, while local media reported that Xoxa, who is currently abroad, has been placed under house arrest.

Arrest warrants were also issued for five businessmen believed to have close ties to the mayor. Enditem

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