The controversy surrounding the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi continues to roar through the national media. Researchers have published a report in the Milan newspaper ‘Corriere della Sera’ which reveals that the Prime Minister spent $47 million in 2010 on purchases including gifts, a variety of services and several household expenses for his private homes.

The recent scandal known as ‘Rubygate’ has Silvio Berlusconi accused of engaging in the services of a child prostitute and of abusing his power. The center of the mess is a young Moroccan girl who described private orgies in honor of the 74-year-old Italian leader and claimed to have received money – though declines that she received the money in return for sex. Berlusconi was placed under criminal investigation in January of this year and indicted in February. The trial is set for April 6.

According to the newspaper, Berlusconi paid the amount of $781.000 to the 14 girls that attended his private ‘bunga bunga’ parties at his home in Arcore (northern Italy). He also gave $138.000 to an ex-contestant of the Italian version of Big Brother known as Angela Sozio.

In addition, he invested $166.000 in a business for ties and scarves, $90.000 in a jewelry shop and $416.000 in a fabric store. He also spent $938.000 on the rent and maintenance of the Paraggi Castle in Portofino, and $250.000 million on other household expenses, including water and electricity, for his home in Antigua at the Caribbean.

He also made several bank transfers to his lawyers and his grown children Marina and Pier Silvio. Among the expenses, it also seems he wasted $903.000 on antique shops and art galleries, and $694.000 on helicopter flights.

Moreover, he donated $97.000 to restore a church, and another $277.000 on a rugby team as well as a $55.000 wedding gift to a secretary.

Corriere della Sera also published in February that Berlusconi had made several transfers of $27.000 to Noemi Letizia’s mother, Noemi being the 20-old-girl that was accused of causing Berlusconi’s divorce in 2009.

As of now, Berlusconi’s lawyer Niccolo Ghedini, who allegedly received $612.000, has described the newspaper publication as a “rape of the Silvio Berlusconi´s privacy”.

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About the author

Lydia Cerrada
As a Journalist I have been given the opportunity to explore the world and what it has to offer. Traveling has become my passion; I get to learn by getting involved in all kind of experiences. There is no challenge that I will turn down. As long as you face life with a positive attitude there’ll be no limits, just be persistent ;) If you want to know more about me just follow me on Twitter @Skapy4