Silvio Berlusconi faces new investigation

MILAN, Italy, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a new inquiry on allegations about a teenage nightclub dancer attending parties at his residence, officials said.

Berlusconi, 74, is suspected of abusing his power in trying to cover up his alleged encounters with Karima El Mahroug, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The investigation also allegedly involves underage prostitution allegations, sources told the British newspaper. Mahroug was 17 years old when she met Berlusconi last year, media outlets reported.

Berlusconi, subject of a string of scandals concerning his private life, has denied wrongdoing.

The case became public in October when it was reported Berlusconi called Milan police on Mahroug's behalf when she was detained for an alleged theft, the Telegraph said. While acknowledging he knows Mahroug and contacted police on her behalf, Berlusconi denied trying to exert improper influence.

News of the new investigation comes one day after Italy's Constitutional Court partially overturned a law that gave Berlusconi immunity from three trials on corruption and tax fraud charges tied to his media empire.