Vatican “perplexed and surprised” by money laundering probe, claims it seeks transparency

Vatican claims transparency amid laundering probe

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says it is “perplexed and surprised” by a money laundering probe that resulted in the seizure of €23 million ($30 million) from the Vatican bank and an investigation of the company’s chairman.

Italian financial police made the seizure Tuesday as a precaution and prosecutors placed the chairman and another official of the Institute for Religious Works under investigation for alleged mistakes linked to violations of Italy’s anti-laundering laws.

In a statement, the Vatican says it had been working for some time to make its finances more transparent to comply with anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering regulations. It expresses full trust in the head of the bank, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, and the director-general.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican says it is “perplexed and surprised” by a money laundering probe that resulted in the seizure of €23 million ($30 million) from the Vatican bank and an investigation of the company’s chairman.

Italian financial police made the seizure Tuesday as a precaution and prosecutors placed the chairman and another official of the Institute for Religious Works under investigation for alleged mistakes linked to violations of Italy’s anti-laundering laws.

In a statement, the Vatican says it had been working for some time to make its finances more transparent to comply with anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering regulations. It expresses full trust in the head of the bank, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, and the director-general.