New twist to Berlusconi scandal

A high-profile Silvio Berlusconi political appointment has been drawn into a prostitution investigation involving a teenage Moroccan belly dancer.

Nicole Minetti, 25, a former model who was elected to Lombardy's regional assembly after catching the Italian Prime Minister's eye when working on his teeth as a dental assistant, reportedly helped the 17-year-old dancer, identified only as Ruby R, when she was questioned by police over a theft.

It was also claimed that the teenager witnessed after-dinner sex sessions involving escorts and models at Berlusconi's villa.

According to an investigation by La Repubblica, Minetti was sent to help Ruby and met her when she was released by police in Milan.

Officers were instructed to release Ruby after reportedly being contacted by the Prime Minister's office and being told she was the granddaughter of the Egyptian president.