MILAN, May 17, 2013 (AFP) - The woman alleged to have had sex for money with Silvio Berlusconi when she was just 17 and he was the prime minister began testifying on Friday at a trial of three people accused of pimping for him.

Ms Karima El-Mahroug, an exotic dancer better known by her nickname as Ruby the Heart Stealer, never testified at Mr Berlusconi's trial for having sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of office. That trial is due to conclude with a verdict next month.

The trial El-Mahroug was testifying at is of Mr Lele Mora, a former showbiz agent, Mr Emilio Fede, a network anchor working for Berlusconi's television empire and Ms Nicole Minetti, a showgirl.

The three are accused of supplying girls for allegedly raunchy "bunga bunga" parties held at Berlusconi's luxury mansion outside Milan.

Ms El-Mahroug and Mr Berlusconi have denied having sex.