"We have not had contact with the Managing Director since his arrest in New York. Obviously, it will be important to be in contact with him in due course," William Murray, spokesperson of the Washington based IMF said, but noted that the agency was aware of the developments in New York.

"We are aware of widespread speculation about the Managing Director's status. We have no comment on this speculation, other than to note, as we did earlier this week, that the Executive Board was briefed informally on developments regarding his arrest in New York," Murray said.

"We continue to monitor developments. Meanwhile, John Lipsky remains acting Managing Director, and the Fund continues its normal work," the IMF spokesman said in a statement.