God's Banker: The Enduring Mystery of Roberto Calvi's Death Under Blackfriars Bridge
New forensic examination reopens the 1982 case of the Italian banker found with bricks and cash, initially ruled a suicide.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
The death of Italian banker Roberto Calvi, known as 'God's Banker', will be re-examined in a new episode of the true crime docu-series Cold Case Forensics airing Tuesday night.
In 1978, a damning report exposed billions illegally exported by Banco Ambrosiano, igniting immediate criminal investigations.
Roberto Calvi, the bank's chairman, faced trial in 1981 for illegally transferring money out of the country, ultimately receiving a suspended sentence.
Banco Ambrosiano subsequently collapsed in 1982, burdened by massive debts, just months before Calvi's death.
The enduring questions surrounding Roberto Calvi's demise led Italian prosecutors to officially reopen his case in 2002.
City of London Police followed suit, launching a murder inquiry in September 2003, shifting from the initial suicide verdict.
Forensic scientist Dr. Angela Gallop and her team were hired by Calvi's family to conduct an independent investigation into his death.
Their findings now feature in the returning season of Cold Case Forensics, a series applying modern scientific techniques to historical mysteries.
The series also explores other high-profile cases, including those of solicitor Cheryl Lewis and Damilola Taylor.
Prosecutor Luca Tescaroli claims Roberto Calvi was killed for stealing Mafia money, which he was reportedly meant to launder.
This theory suggests a powerful motive for foul play, directly linking Calvi's death to organized crime and vast sums involved in international money laundering.
The re-examination by Dr. Gallop's team offers a new perspective, leveraging advancements in forensic science unavailable during the original investigation.
The episode airing Tuesday night promises to delve into these intricate details, contrasting initial findings with ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind 'God's Banker's' mysterious end.