Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's main rival has been detained and accused of siphoning $US430 million ($A628 million) out of the country, in a widening crackdown on opponents before an August 9 presidential election.
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Lukashenko has allowed little dissent in the former Soviet republic since coming to power in 1994 but faces the biggest challenge to his authority in years, with thousands taking to the streets to support opposition candidates.
Viktor Babariko, widely seen as Lukashenko's main challenger in the election, was "a direct organiser, a leader of illegal activities," the head of the State Control Committee (KGC), Ivan Tertel, said on state television.
Babariko was accused of trying to influence witnesses, hiding previous crimes and taking $US430 million out of Belarus in money-laundering schemes, Tertel said.
Hundreds took to the streets of Minsk in solidarity with Babariko and other detained opponents of Lukashenko.
Babariko has accused Lukashenko of using criminal cases to put political pressure on him, which Lukashenko denies.
Babariko is a former head of the local unit of Russia's Gazprombank, whose offices were raided in June in a tax evasion and money laundering case.
Belgazprombank has been taken into temporary administration and 15 employees have been detained.
Australian Associated Press
