The Adnkronos
June 1, 2011
http://www.adnkronos.com/IGN/Aki/English/Religion/Italy-Prosecutors-release-23-million-euros-of-Vatican-money_312084336567.html
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Rome, 1 June (AKI) - Italian prosecutors have released 23 million euros of Vatican money nine months after it was seized amid an investigation into money laundering.
The funds deposited by the bank in Italy's Credito Artigiano bank where prosecutors suspect it was part of 28 million euros allegedly paid into the Vatican bank's account there to conceal a money-laundering operation.
Two of the bank's high-ranking officials were placed under investigation into allegations that they disguised the identity of depositors.
The Vatican said the incident was due to a misunderstanding. No officials have been charged.
The scandal prompted Pope Benedict XVI to bring Vatican banking rules in line with European Union standards and created a watchdog to monitor them.
The regulations are applicable to Vatican institutions including the Institute for Religious Works,” as the Vatican Bank is called.
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