Berlusconi faces new investigations in prostitution case (and he's not happy)

Thursday, 23 January 2014. Silvio Berlusconi – who has already been given a 7-year sentence – risks to get more as prosecutors investigate over accusations he and his lawyers corrupted witnesses of the sex scandal trial.

The investigations over the alleged prostitution ring set by Mr Berlusconi aren't finished yet, we are now in the so-called phase three  - according to the news -, aka Rubygate ter or Rubygate 3.0 (the name originates from Ruby the Heartstealer, the nom de guerre – the real name is Karima El Mahroug - of the girl who apparently had sex with the politician when still a teenager).

Silvio Berlusconi faces yet another investigation linked to the bunga-bunga sex scandal

The two previous spells of the proceedings were pretty disastrous for the former prime minister and his friends... With the first episode of the sex scandal trial, Berlusconi won a 7-year sentence (child prostitution and abuse of office), with the second stint – the Ruby-bis - it was his protégé Nicole Minetti and one of his friends and employee Emilio Fede who received a conviction. 7 years apiece, details in our post (click here to read it). 

Silvio Berlusconi and the odd kidnapping

Tuesday, November 20, 2012. It turns out the Giuseppe Spinelli, the so-called Berlusconi's cashier, was rapidly kidnapped and release on the 15 October, on an attempt to obtain a ransom.

71-year-old Giuseppe Spinelli, Berlusconi's accountant

Giuseppe Spinelli is on of the most trustworthy member of Silvio Berlusconi's team, he was in charge of paying out allowances and rent for the so-called Olgettine, a bunch of young women (currently Elisa Toti, Aris Espinoza, Ioana Visan, Marysthelle Polanco and Eleonora De Vivo) recruited by former councillor Nicole Minetti. The former Italian prime minister of Italy is taking care of the beauties, habitué on bunga-bunga parties (details in our post “Silvio Berlusconi and the bunga bunga army”).

On the night of the 15^th of October Mr Spinelly and his wife apparently were kidnapped and detained in they very home, for 11 hours, by a gang of criminals, lead by a native of Bari wearing a black and red (AC Milan colours) shoes, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

Silvio Berlusconi and the end?

Friday, October 26, 2012. Few days after Silvio Berlusconi stated that he will not stand as a prime minister candidate in 2013 elections, a tribunal sentences the tycoon for tax fraud (just in case).

Is it the endo or just another chapter that unfolds?

“For the love of Italy” said Berlusconi a couple of days ago “I will not be presenting my candidacy”, referring to next year Italian elections, but he will remain at the side of younger politicians. Many people did not take the statement seriously, knowing the ability of Silvio Berlusconi in creating dramatic moments and comebacks. “I don't believe it” declared Berlusconi's former friend Umberto Bossi, whilst Romano Prodi long-lasting adversary said “You can never tell, wait before writing down the headlines”.

Silvio Berlusconi and the eagerly awaited sex-scandal trial

Wednesday, April 6 2011. The first session of the Silvio Berlusconi's Rubygate trial has been adjourned, after 15 minutes.

Do you know how trials work in Italy? The so-called “Rubygate” proceedings are a good example of that. Silvio Berlusconi is accused of having paid an under-age prostitute for her services, namely Karima El Mahroug, aka Ruby Rubacuori (Italian for "Ruby Heartstealer", the nom de guerre of the girl). Other women were believed to have received money for the same reason, but they were adults, and that's not a crime in Italy (I mean: it's not a crime to give money in exchange for sex to women above 18).

Court and press

The first hearings were due for on 6 April. The build-up was huge. An extensive international press coverage was set-up. Outside of the fascist-era court building in Milan an assemblage people gathered: curious folks, Berlusconi tireless haters and fans.