Italian businessman Follieri arrested
NEW YORK (AP) - June 24, 2008 Raffaello Follieri, who was awaiting an appearance in Manhattan
federal court, is accused of falsely telling an investor that the
Vatican had appointed him to manage its financial affairs.
He allegedly claimed that, as a result of his Vatican
connections, he and others could obtain properties of the Catholic
church in the United States at a substantial discount to fair
market value.
The name of his attorney could not immediately be determined.
Hathaway's publicist, Stephen Huvane, has previous stressed that
"The Devil Wears Prada" star is not part of any probes and is no
longer a board member of the Follieri Foundation.
Earlier this month, the New York state attorney general's office
said it was investigating the foundation operated by Follieri, 29.
The charity's work includes vaccinating children in Third World
countries.
The Follieri Foundation has not filed U.S. tax disclosure forms
required from charities, according to a review of records by The
Associated Press.
