The suspects are accused of funnelling millions of dollars to northern Sri Lanka, where the rebels are fighting Sri Lankan government forces.

Officials say the arrests were made by French anti-terror forces, in a sweep across Paris and several neighbouring districts.

The suspects allegedly coerced expatriate Sri Lankan Tamils into giving them money that was then channelled to the LTTE.

Officials say they are being held by the anti-terror police as part of an investigation into the financing of the Tamil Tigers.