London - Albania's former intelligence chief, who was wanted worldwide on torture and kidnapping charges, has been arrested in London, the BBC reported Tuesday.

Ilir Kumbaro, 55, had lived in Britain for 13 years under a false identity while receiving government assistance. He had convinced immigration authorities in 1996 that he was a refugee from Kosovo fleeing Serbian persecution.

He is accused of kidnapping and torturing at least three Albanians.

A British court on Tuesday cleared the way for his extradition, which must be approved by Foreign Secretary David Miliband. (dpa)