Italian magistrates are urgently investigating whether ​an ally of late prime minister Silvio Berlusconi lied to secure a presidential pardon ‌for a conviction over the “bunga bunga” sex party scandal.

Nicole Minetti has denied falsifying her application, ​but president Sergio Mattarella has taken the highly unusual step of publicly urging the ministry to review the case ​after a newspaper questioned key parts of her appeal.

In 2019, Ms Minetti, a former dental hygienist and ⁠showgirl, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in jail for procuring sex workers for ​Berlusconi’s sex parties, a scandal that would define his final term in office.

Two years later, she was given an additional 13-month sentence for misuse of public funds.

Berlusconi's 'bunga bunga' parties prompted public anger (AFP/Getty)

As the cumulative term was under four years, she avoided prison, but was due to carry out community service.…