Raffaello Follieri first gained attention in the mid-2000s as a young Italian entrepreneur with grand ambitions in the U.S. real estate market. Positioning himself as a savvy investor, he claimed to have exclusive deals with the Vatican to purchase undervalued church properties, which he would then develop or resell for profit. His charm, connections, and seemingly impressive business model quickly earned him a reputation in elite circles, attracting high-profile investors and even celebrity attention.

Follieri’s rise to fame was fueled by his relationship with actress Anne Hathaway, which kept him in the public eye, as well as his lavish lifestyle and appearances at high-society events. He cultivated an image of success, often seen jet-setting between New York and Europe while touting his supposed ties to the Catholic Church. However, much of his story unraveled when investigations revealed his deals were built on deception, leading to his eventual arrest for fraud and money laundering.

Raffaello Follieri’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Raffaello Follieri’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. This figure reflects his financial standing after legal troubles and a period of relative obscurity. While he once had greater wealth, his current assets appear limited compared to his earlier years in the spotlight.

Raffaello Follieri’s Career

Raffaello Follieri gained notoriety as a businessman involved in real estate and Vatican property deals. His career took a sharp downturn after a high-profile fraud case in 2008, leading to prison time. Since then, he has largely stayed out of the public eye, with no significant professional ventures reported.

Raffaello Follieri’s Other Ventures

Beyond real estate, Follieri briefly dabbled in philanthropy, leveraging connections to Catholic institutions. However, his ventures collapsed amid legal scrutiny. There’s no public record of recent business activities, suggesting he hasn’t re-entered the entrepreneurial space in any notable capacity.

Raffaello Follieri’s Assets

Follieri’s known assets today are minimal, likely limited to personal property and modest holdings. His previous lavish lifestyle, funded by fraudulent schemes, is long gone. Reports indicate no major real estate or luxury items tied to him in recent years.

Raffaello Follieri’s Annual Income

Follieri’s current annual income remains undisclosed, but it’s presumed to be low. With no visible business engagements or employment, his earnings are likely sporadic, possibly from residual investments or undisclosed private work.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Raffaello Follieri

What is Raffaello Follieri’s net worth?

Raffaello Follieri’s net worth is estimated to have significantly declined after his legal troubles. At the peak of his career, he was reportedly worth millions, but his current net worth is unclear due to fines, legal fees, and asset seizures.

How did Raffaello Follieri make his money?

Raffaello Follieri made his money through real estate investments, particularly by acquiring undervalued Catholic Church properties. He co-founded the Follieri Group, which claimed to have connections with the Vatican to facilitate these deals.

What legal issues did Raffaello Follieri face?

Raffaello Follieri was arrested in 2008 and later convicted of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. He served time in prison for defrauding investors out of millions of dollars.

Was Raffaello Follieri connected to the Vatican?

Follieri falsely claimed to have close ties to the Vatican to attract investors. Investigations revealed these claims were exaggerated or fabricated to secure funding for his real estate ventures.

Did Raffaello Follieri date any celebrities?

Yes, Raffaello Follieri was in a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Hathaway, which ended shortly before his legal troubles became public.

How long was Raffaello Follieri in prison?

Raffaello Follieri served about four and a half years in prison before being released in 2012 and subsequently deported to Italy.

What happened to Raffaello Follieri after prison?

After his release, Follieri was deported to Italy. His current activities and financial status remain largely out of the public eye.

Did Raffaello Follieri repay his investors?

There is no public evidence suggesting Follieri fully repaid his defrauded investors. Many lost significant sums due to his fraudulent schemes.

What was the Follieri Group?

The Follieri Group was a real estate investment firm co-founded by Raffaello Follieri. It claimed to specialize in acquiring and redeveloping Catholic Church properties but was later exposed as a fraudulent operation.

Is Raffaello Follieri still involved in business?

There is no verified information about Follieri’s current business involvement. After his deportation, he has maintained a low profile.