Raffaele Mincione was one of the nine people convicted by the Vatican as the result of the London property scandal. He is accused of embezzlement related to the sale and purchase of a building in London that resulted in the Vatican losing over 200 million dollars.
Minicione, an Italian-British financer, maintains that he acted in good faith in the transactions that were made in 2018. He has since filed a lawsuit to open a civil process in London, which concluded on July 18. The sentence is expected in October.
One of the Pope's close aides, Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, traveled to London to testify in court. His lawyers pointed out that the Vatican Secretariat of State was an “easy target” because Mincione had already cheated and embezzled money from this department.
During the Vatican process, in addition to Mincione, Cardinal Angelo Becciu was also found guilty of embezzlement. But Becciu's lawyers continue to maintain the cardinal's innocence.
FABIO VIGLIONE
Counsel for Cardinal Becciu
We believe that the trial demonstrated the absolute innocence of the Cardinal, innocence that we believe and sustain. I repeat, it was demonstrated in the course of the trial.
Cardinal Becciu's lawyers also maintain that as soon as the details of his sentence are released, they will appeal.
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TR: AT
