IMF Boss Is In A Big Trouble

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As the Boss of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn is not just one of the most powerful and influential men on earth. He is also completely accustomed to the good life.

In his home country France, he is simply referred to as DSK.

When DSK flies on a plane, he flies first class, not the cattle class.

And when he books into a hotel, his bill for a night often exceeds three thousand dollars. It was even believed that DSK was destined to be the next president of France. DSK is so important that he has a strong influence on the function of economies in Africa and the rest of the world.

So sitting in Air France's first class cabin this week at JFK airport, waiting for the take off to Paris was just a routine event for DSK.

Had DSK arrived at his destination, his next high level meeting would have been with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

The two would have discussed a 100 billion dollar loan for Portugal.

DSK's trip out of New York didn't even start, because the New York Police boarded the plane, removed DSK and handcuffed him.

Shortly after, he was shoved him into a relatively stinking police car, designed for suspected criminals.

The famous NYPD were acting on a report by a 32-year old woman who alleged DSK had tried to rape her in his three-thousand-a-dollar-a-night hotel room.

For now, DSK is still a guest in New York.

No, not a guest of the luxury hotel, but a guest of New York's Harlem Police, where he is being held in a cell. It is an incredible short journey from a luxurious hotel room, to an airline’s first class cabin, and now a Police cell.

Soon, the heavy-weight criminal charges will be put to him,  based on the 32-year old woman's allegations.

The charges are "criminal sexual act, unlawful imprisonment and attempted rape."

Of course, the presumption of innocence is being upheld in this high profile case, and DSK's lawyers have said he would "vigorously contest the charges." 

In preparation for this, DSK has consented to a medical examination, which basically means he would strip in front of a doctor, for the closest examination possible.

Mr Strauss-Kahn's wife, Anne Sinclair, is a prominent French Journalist, and she believes her husband is innocent.

"I do not believe for one second the accusations brought against my husband," she said.

But DSK is believed to have been discredited, even if he clearly and quickly refutes the allegation in court - mostly because he has a history.

Three years ago, he had an affair with a subordinate member of staff, for which he was criticised by the IMF board. DSK himself described the affair as a "serious error of judgement."

The incident had no impact on this career, but the latest allegation is seen to be definitely damaging.

A French Journalist who wrote his profile recently says " there is a difference between having an affair, and being involved in a crime...," because the Police allege he was involved in a sexual crime and fled the scene.

Many across the world will be watching how the DSK's big trouble and expected trial pans out. The observers will include many African governments, whose hands are often squeezed by the IMF.

For now, the hand of an IMF top official is also being squeezed - squeezed by the handcuffs of the New York Police Department.