Europe News

Sex parties: Strauss-Kahn investigated over prostitution ring

Mar 26, 2012, 21:51 GMT

Paris - French justice officials Monday evening opened a formal investigation of former International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn over his alleged involvement in a prostitution ring and participation in illegal sex parties.

The investigative judge moved up an interrogation session in Lille that had originally been planned for Wednesday, according to the news agency AFP which quoted a statement from the state's attorney's office.

Strauss-Kahn was released against 100,000-euro-bail (130,000 dollars), with the admonishment that he was not to be in contact with others suspected in the case.

Strauss-Kahn, who resigned from the IMF last year after being charged with the attempted rape of a New York hotel maid - charges that were later dropped - was already questioned by police over the so-called Carlton affair last month.

He had been scheduled to return to Lille for questioning on Wednesday. The hearing was brought forward by two days.

The one-time French presidential hopeful is being investigated for aggravated pimping and fraud over his participation in sex parties with prostitutes in Paris, Brussels and Washington. The prostitution ring was run out of the Hotel Carlton in Lille. A high-ranking police official and business people are also under observation for their involvement.

Strauss-Kahn has admitted to taking part in the sex parties. The question in the case is whether he was aware the women were prostitutes - an allegation he has denied.

In the US case, the criminal charges against Strauss-Kahn have been dropped but a civil case is still pending.

Read more about France Justice

Read more about People