Colombia ? Colombia’s police chief and the head of police intelligence were forced to retire Monday as the government alleged that police illegally tapped calls of opposition political figures, journalists and members of the government.

The scandal multiplied U.S.-ally President Alvaro Uribe’s woes on a day judicial authorities also ordered the arrest of 20 politicians and business leaders, including five congressmen, on criminal conspiracy charges for signing a 2001 pact with illegal right-wing militias.

“The procedure is totally unacceptable, illegal and contrary to the policy of the government,” Uribe’s office said in a statement.

The statement said the government had asked for and received the resignations of Gen. Jorge Daniel Castro and Gen. Guillermo Chaves.