26. 11. 09. - 17:00

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26. 11. 09. - 17:00

Mafia cops target Vatican bank

Anti mafia cops are asking the Pope to authorise access for police to see secret accounts in the Vatican's private offshore bank as part of money laundering investigations, it emerged today (thursday).

The Church's Institute for Religious Works accepts accounts from priests, Vatican city residents and worshippers who agree to donate part of their money to the Church.

Because of a special agreement with the Italian state, the bank gives high interest and transfers profits back to high street banks in Italy.

Now prosecutors are seeking access to the accounts as part of an investigation into organised crime money laundering, reports La Stampa newspaper.

According to police more than 60 million GBP has passed through just three targeted accounts within a year.

Bank president Ettore Gotti Tedeschi said he is co-operating with the investigation.

Austrian Times

Alpine village celebrates a €17m meadow
Meet the cows that live on the world's most expensive pasture.

Traffic death toll down
The number of people killed on Austrian roads significantly declined year on year in the first half of 2010.

Nazi death camp undergoes renovation
Extensive renovation work at Third Reich forced labour camp Mauthausen started this morning, it has been reported.

Nazi death camp undergoes renovation
Extensive renovation work at Third Reich forced labour camp Mauthausen started this morning, it has been reported.

Man Booker Prize nominee 'triggered' by Fritzl case
A novel inspired by the tragic story of Elisabeth Fritzl has made the shortlist for this year’s Man Booker Prize.

Retreating Stronach rules out negative impacts on Styria
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Haunted mayor alarmed by praline discovery
The mayor of an Upper Austrian town has found a praline at her front door two years after receiving murder threats.

Bulls leave Breitner gutted
German football legend Paul Breitner has launched a stinging attack on Red Bull Salzburg.

Cuban troubles are fault of USA, Raul Castro's daughter claims
The daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro has claimed the United States is responsible for her country’s economic difficulties.

Brauner denies VIA switch as campaigning intensifies
Social Democratic (SPÖ) Vienna financial affairs councillor Renate Brauner has rubbished rumours she was set to enter Vienna International Airport’s (VIA) board.