THE Italian police have begun investigating Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, after they were caught in a compromising position.

The couple caused controversy last week when they were spotted cruising down the canals in a water taxi, with the rapper’s pants pulled down and his wife’s head resting in his lap.

Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, are being investigated by the Venice policeCredit: Instagram

The couple have been accused of ‘public indecency’ while on the Venice CanalsCredit: BackGrid

Kanye raised eyebrows last week when his pants were pulled down and Bianca’s head rested on his lap in the canal boatCredit: BackGrid

Now Kanye, 46, and Bianca, 28, are under investigation as Venice police have identified the driver of the boat and plan to question him about what he saw.

“There are standards of public decorum that have to be followed by tourists and locals alike and any breaches are severely punished,” a Venice police source told the DailyMail.

“The images of West with his trousers down while in a taxi as he and his partner crossed the lagoon were seen all over the globe.”

The insider continued: “You could clearly see his trousers were half down and we have received complaints from people who witnessed it. Now we have identified the driver of the boat and we will be asking him what he saw as well.

“The images show the couple clearly in a state of intimacy and if the local prosecutor decides to press charges then we will notify the couple, most probably through the relevant Embassies.

“The offense being investigated is acts contrary to public decency which is punishable by an administrative sanction.”

The Italian police plan to speak to the boat driver in the next several days for a full report of what he saw.

They have also requested that the photographer who caught the couple on camera turn over their photos for the investigation, according to the outlet.

Venice officials have issued Kanye and Bianca a number of citations during their stay in the city — including those for swimming in the canals, open-air picnics, and spreading out on the steps of public buildings.

“Without any shadow of a doubt what we saw from the couple was a lack of respect for Venice, which is the most enchanting city in the world,” public security councilor Elisabetta Pesce told the outlet.

MAYOR’S WARNING

A source close to Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has slammed Kanye and his wife for the supposed spectacle they caused for the hundreds of tourists that visit the destination.

“We take a very dim view of it,” the source said of the singer’s behavior.

‘We can only hope that the prosecutor imposes a fine and then the couple will think long and hard about their behavior if they return to Venice in the future.”

BANNED FROM BOATING

According to a spokesperson for the boat company, Venezia Turismo Motoscafi, the boat operator was “completely unaware” of the incident.

The informant added that the A-list couple would’ve been “kicked off” if the driver had noticed their indecency.

“The driver had to keep a lookout for traffic and did not see these obscenities.

“If this had happened, he would have immediately disembarked and reported the transgressors to those in authority,” they explained.

The Venezian rental company also noted that a “third party on board the taxi” who rode with Ye and the architect had “obstructed the captain’s view” to where they were seated in the back of the vessel.

Regardless, the company has banned the couple from using their boat service in the future.

“We completely dissociate ourselves from such acts and behavior. Mr West and his wife will certainly no longer be welcome on board our company’s boats.”

CANAL CRIME?

Last week, the couple shocked fans after they were spotted seemingly sharing an intimate moment while being chauffeured by boat in the city.

Bianca crouched down at Kanye’s lap while the musician flashed his bare butt to cameras and passers-by.

In Italy, acts contrary to public decency – including indecent dress and acts – carry a hefty fine of $5,000-$10,000; or up to $10,848.

Kanye and Bianca have spent the past few weeks in VeniceCredit: Yeezy Mafia/Instagram/@angelinacensori

They have received a number of citations during their stayCredit: Instagram/ ARKANGEL