Vatican allegedly transferred funds amid Pell trial

Australian police said on Wednesday they were investigating the alleged transfer of Vatican funds to Australia during the prosecution of former Vatican treasurer for child sex abuse.

The case has been referred to an anti-corruption body.

Italian media recently reported that Pell's nemesis, Cardinal Angelo Becciu, sent 700,000 euros to Australia to help Pell's quote "enemies" while Pell was facing sexual assault charges.

But Becciu's lawyer has denied the reports.

Italian media have reported that the alleged wire transfer may have been used to "buy" the accusers in Pell's trial.

Pell served 13 months in jail on charges he assaulted two choirboys.

He was then acquitted by Australia's High Court in April.

The High Court ordered Pell's convictions be quashed, ending the most high profile case of alleged historical sex abuse to rock the Roman Catholic Church.

Pell, who maintained his innocence throughout the lengthy court process, cannot be retried on the charges.