Vatican financial authority reports decline in investigations during 2014

May 29, 2015

The Vatican’s Financial Information Authority (AIF), established by Pope Benedict to combat money laundering and other illegal financial activities, has reported a decrease in the number of suspicious financial transactions noted in 2014.

The AIF received 147 reports of suspicious transactions in 2014, down from 202 in 2013 but up from six in 2012, as tighter regulations were beginning to be implemented. Following investigation, seven of the 147 reports were forwarded to the Vatican’s promoter of justice for prosecution.

In addition, “the number of cases of bilateral cooperation between AIF and foreign competent authorities has increased from 4 in 2012, to 81 in 2013, and 113 in 2014,” according to its 2014 annual report, which was released on May 29.

“This continuous increase is a result of the systematic efforts undertaken by AIF as well as the strong commitment of the Holy See and the Vatican City State to cooperate actively with other jurisdictions to prevent and combat potential illicit financial activities globally,” said Tommaso di Ruzza,” the Authority’s director.

 

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Further information:

• Briefing per la presentazione del Rapporto Annuale dell’Autorità di Informazione Finanziaria (AIF) - Anno III, 2014 (Holy See Press Office)
• Vatican FIA says IOR on track (Vatican Radio)
• Vatican - Holy See AIF issues 2014 report (Vatican Radio)
• Vatican's anti-money laundering norms taking hold (AP)