Cairo, Jun 17 (IANS): Spanish authorities have arrested Egypt's fugitive businessman Hussein Salem, an accomplice of former president Hosni Mubarak, Xinhua reported Friday.

Salem was referred to the criminal court last month by Egyptian public prosecutor.

He was seized in his villa by the Spanish authorities on the island of Majorca, Egyptian state news agency MENA quoted director general of the Egyptian Interpol Magdy Shafei as saying.

Shafei said Egypt will send Salem's file to the Spanish authorities for his extradition and he will face trial before the Egyptian criminal court together with Mubarak and his two sons - Alaa and Gamal.

The first trial session of Mubarak and his two sons is scheduled Aug 3. They are accused of charges including premeditated murder of protesters during the nationwide anti-government demonstrations, misusing presidential power for private gains and profits, and squandering public funds.

Salem is accused of involvement in exporting natural gas to Israel at low prices together with the former petroleum minister Sameh Fahmy, squandering state funds and illegally gaining financial benefits.

He is also accused of giving properties to Mubarak and his sons in exchange for access to large areas of state land for his lucrative tourist projects.