THE MAN who claims to have supplied Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, with a stream of women for parties was arrested yesterday on suspicion of drug trafficking.
Giampaolo Tarantini, a businessman from Bari, was already under investigation after being accused of supplying narcotics and aiding and abetting prostitution. He was detained by revenue guard officers on his arrival in Bari from Rome.
“It was felt that . . . because of the things that have happened in the last few hours, the last few days, there was serious tampering with evidence, so [the arrest] was a precautionary requirement,” said Antonio Luadati, Bari’s chief prosecutor.
“[It was also felt that] because of indications from the police concerning movements and plans, there existed the danger of escape.” Mr Tarantini said that he feared for his life after the publication of a statement to police this month containing the admission that he had procured some 30 women for parties at Mr Berlusconi’s Rome residence over a period of five months last winter.
He said that at least six of the women stayed the night, and were rewarded with payments of €1,000 each. Mr Tarantini said that the prime minister was unaware of the payments. His statement contained several references to the supply of drugs for parties unconnected with Mr Berlusconi.
Yesterday’s arrest is yet another blow to the prime minister, linking him even more closely to a world of cocaine-fuelled partying and dubious contacts. But given his resilience so far it is not thought likely that he will resign.– (Guardian service)