Venezuelan prosecutors have also asked Interpol for help seeking the arrests of nine of the suspects who are thought to have fled the country.

Prosecutors said Sunday that six of the 27 wanted suspects have already been detained. They include Banco Real president Arne Chacon.

He is the brother of science and technology minister Jesse Chacon, who resigned over the scandal.

Seven banks have been shut since November 30. Authorities have alleged widespread irregularities that put some of them in fiscal trouble.

Violations of banking rules

President Hugo Chavez said he accepted the resignation of the minister after prosecutors announced the arrest of his brother and another banker, Giuzel Mileira, after the government took over management of three banks, citing violations of banking rules.