Former News Of The World assistant editor Greg Miskiw has been arrested in connection to the investigation into phone hacking, Metropolitan police said on Wednesday.
Miskiw had been scheduled to return to Britain from Florida, where he had been living, to answer questions about his role in the scandal.
In July, he told reporters: "I am returning to the UK voluntarily. My solicitor has been talking to the police for some time now so I have effectively been in touch with the police. They know where I am and they know I am returning. That is all I have to say."
He had worked at the News of the World in the period where both Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks edited the paper.
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon police said: "The MPS has this afternoon, 10 August, arrested a male in connection with allegations of phone hacking.
"At approximately midday today a 61-year-old man was arrested by appointment at a London police station by officers from Operation Weeting and is currently in custody.
"He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful interception of communications, contrary to Section1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977 and on suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications, contrary to Section1(1) Criminal Law Act 1977.
"The Operation Weeting team is conducting the new investigation into phone hacking.
"It would be inappropriate to discuss any further details regarding these cases at this time."
Miskiw was held over night and bailed on Thursday morning.