Vatican confirms probe of possible money-laundering by Italian financier
November 04, 2015
The Vatican has confirmed an investigation into financial transactions by the president of an Italian bank.
Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, revealed on November 4 that Vatican officials have asked for cooperation from Swiss and Italian banking regulators in a probe into bond trading by Gianpietro Nattino, the president of Finnat Bank. The investigation was launched in February by the Vatican’s Financial Information Authority, he said.
The Reuters news agency had reported that Nattino used accounts at the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the office that handles the Vatican’s investments, for some financial transactions. Investigators are now questioning whether those accounts—which were closed before new Vatican financial regulations went into effect—were used for money-laundering or other financial misconduct. The Vatican may also be investigating whether Nattino used the APSA accounts—which should not be available to outside investors-- with active collaboration by members of the Vatican staff.
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Further information:
- On current investigations in Vatican City (VIS)
- Vatican probes Finnat Bank chief (ANSA)
- New books show Vatican corruption, resistance to financial reforms (CWN, 11/3)
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