Berlusconi faces charges in fraud investigation

A JUDGE in Milan held an opening hearing yesterday on a request by prosecutors to indict Premier Silvio Berlusconi on charges of false accounting, tax fraud and embezzlement.

Legal proceedings also began against the husband of British Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell on allegations of tax fraud and money laundering.

Company lawyer David Mills is alleged to have set up offshore firms that helped Berlusconi’s media company avoid tax liability on TV rights. Mr Mills denies any wrongdoing, and was not at the hearing.