Interpol Chief Resigns Amid $200K Bribery Charges

The president of international police organization Interpol has resigned over corruption allegations. Jackie Selebi, who is also South Africa's national police commissioner and a leading member of the African National Congress, is accused of taking $200,000 in pay-offs from a notorious convicted drug smuggler, who is awaiting trial on murder charges, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Stubs for checks written out to Selebi by the smuggler were marked "Cash Cop," according to prosecutors. The allegations do not relate directly to Interpol, but in a letter of resignation, Selebi said he is stepping down because he does not want the scandal "to bring the good work of this august body into disrepute." He said he is also taking leave "so that I can clear my name." (More Interpol stories.)