There is a big difference between the head of the IMF, and its rank-and-file members, who are immune from prosecution only with regard to “acts performed… in their official capacity”.

Mr Kurbalija says the principle establishing immunity from prosecution for the heads of UN agencies is laid down in article six of the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialized Agencies.

This states: “The executive head of each specialised agency… shall be accorded… the privileges and immunities, exemptions and facilities accorded to diplomatic envoys, in accordance with international law.”

“The general principle is that heads of international organisations have full diplomatic immunity,” Mr Kurbalija says.