Former IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn will have his bail substantially reduced in his sexual assault case due to issues with his accuser's credibility, a person familiar with the case says.
The source said prosecutors had raised issues about the credibility of the hotel housekeeper who has accused Strauss-Kahn of raping her, but would not elaborate on what those issues were.
The New York Times, citing two unnamed law enforcement officials close to the case, reported on Thursday that prosecutors did not believe much of the story told by the French politician's accuser - a Guinea-born hotel maid - and that she had repeatedly lied to them since the May 14 alleged attack.
One of the officials told the Times that the woman has repeatedly lied since making the initial allegation May 14.
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Another person familiar with the case said earlier on Thursday that Strauss-Kahn may get his pricey bail and house arrest arrangement eased.
The person declined to detail what the new bail arrangements might be.
Strauss-Kahn lawyer William W Taylor would say only that the hearing was to review the bail plan.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office declined to comment.
Strauss-Kahn has been under armed guard in a Manhattan townhouse after posting a total of $US6 million ($A5.62 million) in cash bail
and bond.
He denies the allegations.
Strauss-Kahn was held without bail for nearly a week after his May arrest.
His lawyers ultimately persuaded a judge to release him by agreeing to extensive - and expensive - conditions, including an ankle monitor, surveillance cameras and armed guards.
He can leave for only for court, weekly religious services and visits to doctors and his lawyers, and prosecutors must be notified at least six hours before he goes anywhere.
The security measures were estimated to cost him about $US200,000 ($A187,000) a month, on top of the $US50,000 ($A47,000)-a-month rent on the town house.
The 32-year-old maid told police that Strauss-Kahn chased her down a hallway in his suite at the Sofitel hotel and forced her to perform oral sex before she broke free.
Strauss-Kahn's lawyers have said the encounter wasn't forcible, and that they have unreleased information that could "gravely undermine the credibility" of the housekeeper.
Her lawyer has said she is prepared to testify despite a "smear campaign" against her.
Strauss-Kahn, 62, was in New York on a personal trip.
He left the hotel shortly after the alleged assault - to have lunch with a relative, his attorneys have said.
During his initial bail hearings, prosecutors noted that Strauss-Kahn was arrested on a Paris-bound plane at John F Kennedy International Airport, and that they could not compel his return from France if he fled.
His lawyers have underscored that it was a long-planned flight, and they've said he wants to return to court to clear his name.
He resigned his International Monetary Fund post after his arrest.
