124 million pound Chelsea property fraud trial involving Pope Francis's former right-hand man will be heard in English courts The Vatican is to face trial in English Courts for the first time in its 2,000 year history after it failed to prevent UK judges from probing a £124 million investment property deal it made with a British financier.
Raffaele Minicione, who holds both British and Swiss citizenship, was previously a financial advisor to the Secretariat in the Vatican, who personally advises the Pope and assists him with carrying out his duties.
He is accused by the Vatican of 10 criminal charges, including fraud, embezzlement and abuse of office dating back to 2014.
The Vatican state alleged he inflated the price of a property, 60 Sloane Avenue, when his companies sold it to the Vatican in 2018.
The property was sold by the Vatican on July 1 for £186 million, which represents a loss for them of around £140 million, insiders say.
But Mr Minicione denies the allegations and stands by the property valuation which he says was provided by independent experts. He also says the Vatican has provided no evidence of his alleged wrongdoings or of its monetary loss.
Poster Comment:
In the original sale there were allegations of sexual misconduct on the premises.