Former IMF boss Strauss-Kahn faces new probe

PARIS

Former IMF president Dominique Strauss-Kahn is facing a new investigation for fraud and misuse of corporate assets over his role in his former -- and now bankrupt -- investment company based in Luxembourg, reported French media Friday.

According to France Inter radio, Paris prosecutors have launched on July 28 a preliminary investigation against the former IMF head Strauss-Kahn for his role in the Leyne, Strauss-Kahn & Partners company (LSK), France Inter reported on its web site.

The complaint was first filed by two unpaid creditors: French businessman, Jean-François Ott, who reportedly lost 500,000 euros ($568,000) he had invested in the group and a "former Macedonian banker", said the station.

Strauss-Kahn was the chairman of the LSK company until he resigned in October 2014. Shortly thereafter, his partner Thierry Leyne, the founder and CEO of the company committed suicide in Tel Aviv.

Two weeks later, the company was declared bankrupt. Losses of around 100 million euros ($113.6 million), are now claimed by 156 creditors of multiple nationalities .

"The first question that will be asked by the financial police of the Judicial Police of Paris, which is responsible of the investigation is how 100 million euros have been squandered," said France Inter.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyer, Jean Veil, told France Info radio that his client "had no operational role, and is himself a victim". He said the signature of his client "would have been imitated".

Strauss-Kahn, 66, was cleared by a French court of "aggravated pimping" charges last June.

Strauss-Kahn had been expected to win the last French presidential election. His ambitions were dashed after he was arrested by U.S. police on a sexual assault charge in 2011.

PARIS

Strauss-Kahn was the chairman of the LSK company until he resigned in October 2014. Shortly thereafter, his partner Thierry Leyne, the founder and CEO of the company committed suicide in Tel Aviv.

Two weeks later, the company was declared bankrupt. Losses of around 100 million euros ($113.6 million), are now claimed by 156 creditors of multiple nationalities .

Strauss-Kahn's lawyer, Jean Veil, told France Info radio that his client "had no operational role, and is himself a victim". He said the signature of his client "would have been imitated".

Strauss-Kahn, 66, was cleared by a French court of "aggravated pimping" charges last June.

Strauss-Kahn had been expected to win the last French presidential election. His ambitions were dashed after he was arrested by U.S. police on a sexual assault charge in 2011.