Raffaello Follieri Arrested

Posted on June 24, 2008 at 7:28 am (PST)

Raffaello Follieri was arrested for federal wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Raffaello Follieri is due in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, accused of lying to an investor, and for claiming he had been appointed the chief financial officer of the Vatican. Police say investors were duped into believing Follieri’s fake Vatican connection, which he said allowed him to buy properties owned by the Catholic church in the U.S. at a way cheaper rate.

It’s a good thing Anne Hathaway dumped him recently.

Breakdown of the Charges

• Six counts of wire fraud and each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
• Five counts of money laundering and each count also carries a max of 20 years in jail.
• One count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years behind bars.