CHICAGO (AFP) - Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich was indicted Thursday on federal corruption charges alleging "pervasive fraud" after he purportedly tried to sell Barack Obama's vacant US Senate seat.

Blagojevich, 52, was charged with 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal agents, the Justice Department said.

US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald alleged that Blagojevich used his office to obtain money, campaign contributions and jobs for himself and others "in numerous matters involving state appointments, business, legislation and pension fund investments."