03.07.2021 – 20:57
The Vatican said nine people, including an Italian cardinal, had been charged with extortion, abuse of office and fraud in connection with a London real estate investment.
The Catholic Church Criminal Court said in a statement that four former Vatican officials, including two senior State Secretariat officials, would appear in court on July 27.
Among those charged is Cardinal Angelo Becciu, whom Pope Francis ousted last year. He is the highest-ranking Vatican official to be charged with financial crimes.
Pope Francis had personally approved the filing of the indictment against Becciu, who had pleaded not guilty during a two-year investigation against him.
The other accused are several Italian businessmen, who were involved in a 350 million euro investment in London.
Prosecutors in the Vatican say the defendants are suspected of receiving millions from the Holy See through taxes and other losses, during other financial arrangements.
