Milan prosecutors say they are investigating former Premier Silvio Berlusconi for allegedly attempting to derail investigations into his infamous "bunga bunga" parties, the Associated Press reports.

The Milan prosecutor's office launched the investigation Thursday, Jan 23, against Berlusconi, two of his long-time lawyers and some 40 other people, mostly aspiring showgirls who attended the parties. The investigation centers on allegations that Berlusconi paid off the women to lie to court officials.

The new investigation comes as Berlusconi has re-emerged on the political scene as the center-right's powerbroker, despite having been booted from Parliament on a tax fraud conviction.

In the "bunga bunga" case, Berlusconi is appealing a conviction of paying for sex with an underage minor and using his influence to cover it up.

Berlusconi vowed in a statement to remain on Italy's political scene.