Part 4/9:
In October 2019, the Vatican initiated an investigation that sent shockwaves through its inner sanctum, revealing signs of corruption within the Secretariat of State, the most influential department directly linked to the Pope. Documents showed that the internal auditor had raised a red flag concerning the finances handled by Becciu and others, prompting a detailed assessment of their practices.
The Shift to London
The failed oil deal soon gave way to a new opportunity—one that would see the Vatican purchasing a building in London, an investment cloaked in skepticism. The old Harrods department store was on the table, and despite concerns about transparency and valuation—approximately $100 million of Vatican funds were to be allocated to acquire a stake in it—the investment proceeded.