Karlheinz Schreiber arrested in Toronto

A key figure in the controversial Airbus investigation has been arrested. Karlheinz Schreiber was arrested in Toronto and is being held at the request of the German government.

Germany wants Schreiber extradited to face charges of evading taxes amounting to more than $20 million.

The RCMP picked up the German-Canadian businessman in Toronto on Tuesday. He'll appear in court on Wednesday.

Schreiber lost a legal attempt to keep the RCMP from looking at his financial records in Switzerland on Monday.

An RCMP spokesman said the arrest was not connected to the Mounties' investigation of the Airbus scandal.

The Airbus investigation is trying to find out if any illegal kickbacks were paid when Air Canada bought Airbus jets in 1988. The RCMP has also been looking into an alleged connection with former prime minister Brian Mulroney.