Dubai's customs chief, the chairman of the World Customs Organisation, has been arrested on corruption charges, according to government-controlled newspapers in the United Arab Emirates.

The newspapers reported that Obaid Saqr bin-Busit had been arrested on the orders of Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

He and two top aides are accused of amassing tens of millions of dollars through corrupt practices.

The popular Dubai government-controlled Al-Bayan newspaper quoted an official statement reporting the arrest of "corrupt employees who took advantage of their jobs to serve their personal purposes and amass illegal wealth".

Dr Busit, a lawyer, was elected chairman of the 150-member council of the Brussels-based World Customs Organisation in July for a three-year term.

He was the first person from a developing country to take on the role and is a well-known personality in Dubai.

His arrest is reported to have shocked officials at Dubai Ports and Customs and many in the Dubai community.

Two-year surveillance

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad, has reportedly kept Dr Busit and others at the government department under surveillance for two years.

The BBC's Julia Wheeler in Dubai said there was a time when corruption at government departments was the norm but in recent years several bribe-takers have been brought down and punished.

Many UAE nationals and expatriates have welcomed the change of culture, believing it has created a more open and efficient atmosphere for business.

It is not known how Dr Busit would be punished if found guilty.

The two aides were identified as Ali Hassan Fouladh, customs chief at Hamriyah port, and Khalifa Ali bin Ghalidha, head of Dubai Customs Automobile Zone (DUCAMZ).

Three Pakistanis were also reported to have been arrested, but they have not been fully identified.