Berlusconi prostitution probe widens

Italian prosecutors want authorization to search Premier Silvio Berlusconi's property in a widening prostitution probe.

The Chamber of Deputies' website on Monday posted the request, in which Milan prosecutors allege that Berlusconi had sex with a "significant number" of young prostitutes. Italian lawmakers in Rome are considering the request.

Prostitution isn't a crime in Italy, but exploiting or aiding prostitution with minors is. Among the alleged prostitutes involved with Berlusconi was a 17-year-old girl, prosecutorsallege. The girl, now 18, said Berlusconi gave her $8,882 to help her but not for sex.

Prosecutors asked permission for a police search of an apartment complex near Milan where the women allegedly stayed rent-free.

Berlusconi, who is an intense battle for his political life,denies any wrongdoing.

Last week, atop court in Rome rejected as unconstitutional an automatic shield from trial for Berlusconi but maintained some room for immunity for the Italian leader.

The court's ruling Thursday stopped short of completely rejecting the law shielding Berlusconi, which would have immediately reopened two trials, on corruption and tax fraud charges. But it also gives judges leeway in deciding whether the premier should be exempt from trial.

In December, he survived the no-confidence motion in Italy's lower house by just three votes. On the same day, he also secured a more comfortable victory in a confidence vote at the senate.

Weakened by sex scandals and a bitter breakup with his one-time closest ally, Berlusconi seemed destined to be sent packing last year.