Guido Bertolaso, right-hand man to Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's premier, was told by police on Wednesday that he was under investigation in connection with a probe into suspected corruption.

The inquiry related to building of facilities for last year's Group of Eight summit, hosted by Italy.

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Police arrested four people in connection with the investigation, including Angelo Balducci, a senior official in charge of public works. Special carabiniere forces were reported to have searched Mr Bertolaso's home and office. Media reported that more than 20 people were under investigation, including a Rome magistrate.

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 Mr Berlusconi spoke last month of giving Mr Bertolaso the rank of minister, voicing support for his aide just days after he had caused a diplomatic incident by making scathing criticism of the US-led relief effort in Haiti.

The government has tabled legislation that would give greater resources to the Civil Protection agency and change its status. Critics said the reorganisation would provide less transparency in issuing contracts. The centre-left opposition on Wednesday called for the legislation to be put on hold because of the corruption investigation.