A retired Argentine admiral has been arrested in a continuing investigation into the theft of babies from political dissidents during the period of military rule from 1976 until 1983.

Retired admiral Antonio Vanek was detained after being questioned by a judge investigating the systematic theft of babies, who were removed from suspected leftists killed by the junta and given to childless military families.

The judge also attempted to question the former navy chief, Emilio Massera, who has been in custody since last month, but was rebuffed.

Argentina's former military leader, Jorge Videla, was arrested last June as part of the investigation into the theft of babies.