Dominique Strauss-Kahn timeline: How the former IMF chief went from potential French President to 'pimping' trial

The spectacular career rise and fall of DSK in dates

Dominique Strauss-Kahn failed to end the criminal investigation into his alleged role in organising sex parties with prostitutes in the US and France and Belgium (EPA)

The disgraced former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn is appearing in court this week accused of “aggravated pimping” following a series of orgies at luxury hotels in Paris and Washington DC.

The 65-year-old was one of the most important economists in the world and once seemed set to run for French president – but now admits that his political career is ruined after a series of damaging sex scandals.

So how did the man known around the world as DSK become a defendant in one of France’s most high profile criminal trials?

25 April 1949: Born in Paris in the wealthy suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, the son of a lawyer.

1972: Attended Paris’ prestigious Institut d'études politiques de Paris – or Science Po – a breeding ground for the French elite.

1986: First foray into politics following involvement in the Socialist Party. Elected a member of French parliament in the Haute-Savoie department.

2007: Named as the European nominee to run the IMF, and announced as its managing director on 28 September.

2008: IMF calls independent investigation over allegations Strauss-Kahn had an affair with subordinate Piroska Nagy. Nagy accused DSK of sustained harassment that left her feeling she had little choice but to sleep with him.

2011: Resigned after being arrested by New York police on sexual assault allegations.

2012: Signs settlement with hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo in December.

2014: The events inspired a film starring Gerard Depardieu, released amid threats of a defamation suit from DSK.

2015: DSK goes on trial for aggravated pimping