Police in Italy have arrested a businessman accused of providing escort girls for Prime Minister Silvio Bersusconi. Gianpaolo Tarantini was detained at the airport of the southern city of Bari on suspicion of drug dealing.

The prosecutor cited risks he might tamper with evidence or attempt to flee the country. Mr Tarantini has previously testified that he took some 30 call girls to parties at the prime minister's villas in Rome and Sardinia. One of the girls has publicly stated that she was paid by him to spend two nights with Mr Berlusconi. The prime minister denies any wrongdoing. He has been  plagued by a prostitution scandal since May. His wife wants to divorce him after he was seen at the wedding party of an 18-year-old model.
 

Italian Prime Minsiter Silvio Berlusconi (Photo ANP)