Chiluba was Zambia's president during the 1990s

Mr Chiluba was picked up on Tuesday morning from his house and taken to a police station in the capital, Lusaka, where he was formally charged with 48 counts of theft.

He is already on bail, having been charged with his intelligence chief in February with stealing about $3m.

The former Zambian leader is the most high profile figure to be investigated in an anti-corruption probe and was questioned by their investigators last week.

He has previously denied the allegations of theft against him saying they are politically motivated.

Mr Chiluba led Zambia after defeating Kenneth Kaunda in the 1991 elections.

Campaign

After two terms in office, he was barred by the constitution from contesting the 2001 poll, narrowly won by his ruling party successor, Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr Mwanawasa was initially seen as being Mr Chiluba's protege but since his controversial election, he has led a vigorous campaign against officials from the former regime for alleged corruption.

CHILUBA'S RISE AND FALL 1991: Defeated Kenneth Kaunda to become president 1996: Re-elected 2001: Failed to change constitution to run for third term December 2001: Stood down 2003: Charged with theft

Mr Chiluba was stripped of his immunity by parliament after being accused by Mr Mwanawasa of misusing millions of dollars of government money.

Mr Chiluba accuses President Mwanawasa of launching a witch-hunt against him in order to deflect attention away from his own problems.

Zambia's opposition has mounted a legal challenge to Mwanawasa's election which they claim was fraudulent.

Mr Chiluba is due to appear in court on 29 August.

His trial for the initial 64 counts of theft by a public servant has been delayed by legal arguments.