AFP LILLE (FRANCE) FRENCH magistrates questioned former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Monday over his alleged involvement in a vice ring that procured prostitutes, a judicial source said.

The 62-year-old former Socialist minister had been expected to appear before judges in the northern city of Lille on Wednesday and to face a possible charge of “aggravated pimping as part of an organised gang.” It was unclear why the hearing was moved forward. It began in early afternoon and was continuing at around 1600 GMT. Strauss-Kahn’s name came up as police were investigating a prostitution ring that saw sex workers from brothels over the Belgian border being brought to France for orgies in top class hotels in Lille and Paris.

Strauss-Kahn admits that he took part in some of these parties, one of which was said to involve women being flown to Washington to entertain him while he was still managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

But, through his lawyer, he has denied knowing the escorts were paid.

Using prostitutes is not illegal in France, but prosecutors are seeking proof that Strauss- Kahn was aware the parties were arranged by an organised pimping ring and paid for by other guests misusing company funds. Several Lillebased businessmen and policemen have been accused of taking part in the ring.