PARIS (AFP) - Robbers posing as policemen made off with about S$325,000 belonging to a senior official from the Saudi youth and sports ministry just after he landed in Paris, police said on Monday.

The audacious robbery was staged on the busy A1 highway near Le Bourget airport. The robbers were armed and used two cars equipped with flashing lights and the word "Police" on them.

They stopped the car the Saudi official was travelling in and demanded an inspection of the boot.

They then made off with a suitcase containing 162,000 euros, US$30,000 and 10,000 pounds. It was not immediately clear why the official was travelling with so much cash.