German authorities on Friday detained a Syrian-born German businessman who is wanted by Spain for allegedly supporting the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Mamoun Darkazanli, 46, was taken into custody at his home in northern German city of Hamburg after a formal request from Spain,authorities said.

Darkazanli is accused by Spanish authorities of being "one of the key figures of the Al-Qaeda network and providing logistical and financial support for this organization in Spain, Germany and Britain since 1997."

Darkazanli, to be extradited to Spain, faces up to 12 years in prison in Spain if convicted, authorities said.

Darkazanli was among 27 organizations and individuals whose assets had been frozen in the United States on suspicion of terrorlinks and was questioned by German police shortly after Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He was freed for lack of evidence and continuedto live in Hamburg.