Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani on Thursday described the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam as a 'serious matter' and said the Union government is willing to offer the Maharashtra government CBI's assistance.

Also see: Complete coverage of the stamp paper scam

Advani said the people involved in the scam have received help from those trying to destabilise the country through cross-border terrorism.

"Telgi matter is a serious one. It is not confined to Maharashtra...it's spread across several states. This scam is widespread," Advani told reporters accompanying him to Chennai on a day-long visit.

Advani said the Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde met him a few days back.

Meanwhile, the Delhi police have arrested one person in connection with the stamp scam.

Sushant Kumar Das, who allegedly acted as a 'facilitator' for the prime accused, Abdul Karim Telgi, was picked up from the Kaushambi area on the outskirts of Delhi by Economic Offences Wing sleuths, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dinesh Bhatt said.

Special: The Telgi tale