The head of the Scorpions crime-fighting unit, Leonard McCarthy, has been appointed to head the World Bank's anti-corruption unit, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

World Bank president Robert Zoellick, in a statement on Monday, said President Thabo Mbeki had agreed to release McCarthy from service to take up the position as vice president of the bank's department of institutional integrity on 30 June.

The World Bank unit investigates fraud and corruption in development projects financed by the global development agency.

"Leonard McCarthy is recognised worldwide for his integrity, independence and effectiveness in fighting corruption and strengthening good governance," Zoellick said.

McCarthy's appointment comes a day after Mbeki's government approved disbanding the FBI-styled Scorpions, bowing to pressure from supporters of rival Jacob Zuma who accused it of political abuse.

The ANC, led by Zuma, voted to get rid of the unit, officially known as the directorate of special operations, last year.

The Scorpions, which was independent of the police and reports to the National Prosecuting Authority, was established to fight high-profile corruption cases and scored successes against organised crime in a number of cases.

McCarthy has held numerous positions in government.