Strauss-Kahn to escape rape charge

A French investigation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, for alleged participation in “gang rape” is set to be dropped (EPA)

A French investigation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, for alleged participation in "gang rape" is set to be dropped, it was reported yesterday.

A 25-year-old Belgian call-girl who originally claimed she was forced to have anal sex with Mr Stauss-Kahn against her will has refused to confirm her allegations, according to Le Figaro newspaper.

As a result, the state prosecutor in Lille is expected to abandon this aspect of the so-called "Carlton affair" – an investigation into the organisation of sex parties involving prostitutes in France, Belgium and the US. Mr Strauss-Kahn, 63, faces a continuing inquiry, however, into his role in helping to organise the parties.

He was one of a group of people placed under formal investigation earlier this year for "aggravated pimping". A legal challenge to the entire investigation will be heard at Douai in northern France on Wednesday.

The "Carlton" case, named after the Lille hotel allegedly at the centre of the affair, is the only criminal investigation remaining against Mr Strauss-Kahn. Charges that he sexually assaulted a hotel maid in New York last year were dropped but a civil action in the case is still proceeding.

The former Socialist finance minster was alleged by the Belgian prostitute, identified only Marie-Anne, to have used force to impose anal sex in a hotel in Washington DC in 2010. She made the allegation in a statement to Belgian police but has since refused to confirm or elaborate on her remarks, according to Le Figaro.

In a written statement to French investigators, she reportedly said the events in the US were consensual "sex games" and she was paid to fly there from Europe to have sex with Mr Strauss-Kahn and his friends.