Former IMF boss faces vice ring charges

(BBC): Former International Monetary Fund boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn is facing charges in France over alleged involvement in a prostitution ring. Mr Strauss-Kahn was placed under formal investigation by magistrates in Lille.He has admitted attending parties where the authorities believe prostitutes were provided by a gang, but denies knowing that they were prostitutes. Last May, he resigned from the IMF after being accused of attempting to rape a hotel maid in New York.The charges were later dropped. The maid, 32, is now bringing a civil case against Mr Strauss-Kahn, which is due to start in New York on Wednesday. He has always denied any wrongdoing.

Strauss-Kahn faces preliminary charges of procuring prostitutes and involvement in an "organised gang", one of his lawyers said.The 62-year-old former IMF head, who could face up to 20 years in prison if tried and convicted, was released on 100,000 euros ($135,000) bail.

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