Italy Acquits Five in "God's Banker" Murder

A judge in Rome exonerated five suspects on trial for the 1982 murder of Roberto Calvi, citing a lack of evidence. Calvi—known as "God's banker" for his closeness to the Vatican— was found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge in London in a presumed suicide. Newly discovered forensic evidence led authorities to suspect foul play and reopen the case.

Calvi's Banco Ambrosiano collapsed in one of Italy's biggest frauds, inciting the wrath of Mafia bosses who were owed money and didn't want to be named in the scandal. The four men and one woman acquitted had mob ties, but conspiracy theorists speculate the involvement of Freemasons and various secret organizations. (More Robert Calvi stories.)