Actress Anne Hathaway plopped down $37,000 a month for her then-boyfriend Raffaello Follieri’s apartment in Olympic Towers in NY for the last four months of his lease before the Feds closed in and arrested him on fraud and money laundering charges. You would think the guy would have some money left to his name after bilking investors in an elaborate scheme for around $50 million. He paid a $1.3 million settlement to billionaire Ron Burkle in April, but he must have been broke for a couple months before that. If Hathaway was paying his rent for four months until June that means all his ill-gotten gains had pretty much run out by the time he had to pay that settlement - or maybe he was just scamming her, too.

Vanity Fair has more details on this sordid story of the actress and the con man.

The “Get Smart” actress paid her beleaguered beau’s whopping $37,000 monthly rent at his sumptuous Olympic Tower duplex for four months until finally, in June, his lease ran out - and she ditched him as the feds closed in on his schemes, a titillating new Vanity Fair report says.

“It was totally love at first sight . . . He is sooo good-looking . . . He looks like a god,” the young actress once cooed after the pair met in spring 2004, the article says.

But by this summer, their passionate, fiery relationship was over - and badly.

A humiliated Follieri dissolved into tears the night of June 23 while staying in a spare bed at his parents’ place at Trump Tower - as his “baby,” Hathaway, dumped him over the phone, Vanity Fair says.
Follieri, dressed in his nightly pajama uniform of “dark blue or black Ralph Lauren polo shirt and white shorts,” kept his good-luck charm nearby - “a large, green, plastic frog, about 9 inches high and wide” - as he took the distressing call.

Hathaway, 25, tried to let him off gently.

“You were the love of my life,” she told him, according to the mag. “I’ll always love you. You know that, baby.”

Six hours later, the feds busted in and hauled off the 29-year-old Follieri in handcuffs on charges of money laundering and wire fraud.

It was later rumored that Hathaway had a hand in the bust, having allegedly lured Follieri back to his adopted home of New York from Italy to face the raps.

[From The NY Post via TMZ]

There are plenty of other government and church officials involved too. Follieri’s scheme is being called “Vati-Con,” and he claimed to investors to have been the CFO for the Vatican and to be able to offer Catholic properties in the US at rock bottom prices. In reality he was just putting in bids with everyone else and bribing Vatican employees and church officials to help him pull off the scam. Follieri faces life in prison if he’s convicted on all the counts of fraud and money laundering he’s charged with.

Hathaway knew her boyfriend was facing lawsuits for months and now that the news is out that she was paying his rent for so long you have to wonder why she stayed with him. Maybe she knew the fantasy was cracking but wasn’t quite ready to face reality yet. Somehow she escaped with her reputation intact and she’s still the sweet naive actress. She must have known something was going on and it looks like she got out at the last minute to save herself before it was too late.

Here’s Hathaway at the Venice Film Festival this morning at the premiere of Rachel Getting Married. Credit : Apega/WENN

Law & Order often features “ripped from the headlines” stories that are easily identified as fictional accounts based on a high-profile celebrity case. Writers are said to be working on an episode based on the as-yet-unfinished saga of Raffaello Follieri, the Italian con man who dated actress Anne Hathaway and is now awaiting trial on Federal charges of fraud and money laundering. Follieri lived large in a penthouse in Trump Tower and took Hathaway on lavish vacations and regularly flew on private jets. He was living at the expense of investors in his elaborate scam, in which he claimed to be the CFO for the Vatican and said he could buy Catholic Church properties in the US at rock bottom prices. He was simply putting in bids for the properties along with everyone else and had no ties to the church apart from the bishops and Vatican employees he bribed. Hathaway has since broken it off with Follieri, but she is said to have been reluctant to cut ties with him.

Many of NY’s elite met Follieri through Hathaway, and the actress helped him achieve a type of legitimacy which may have delayed his prosecution. It’s a story that many find fascinating and Law and Order will use it as a basis for an episode:

The writers of NBC’s Law & Order… [are] hard at work on a script that mirrors the rise and fall of the Italian businessman.

“Rafaello’s arrest was and still is all the buzz in NY City’s social circles because so many big-name types rubbed elbows with him and thought he was real,” says a source. “He was the ultimate con man: handsome, rich, smooth and with a celebrity girlfriend to make him seem legit.”

[From Star Magazine, print edition, August 11, 2008]

We ran a story on Friday that nude photos of Hathaway taken by Follieri were said to be among the effects seized by the FBI in a raid on his storage space. Many of you commented on that article she must have known something was going on during their four year relationship and either chose to ignore it or somehow justified it to herself. There were clues that the guy was a con man months ago when he was bouncing checks and getting sued for misappropriating investor funds.

Have any of you dated a con man or sociopath and did you stay after you had some indication that he was a liar? This guy probably made her feel like the center of his warped world and if was that good at fooling investors he may have been an expert at laying the romance on thick. She did get out eventually at least.

Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri are shown in Porto Cervo, Italy on 8/8/07. Credit: ANG/Fame Pictures

There are said to be nude photos of Anne Hathaway among the effects seized by the FBI in their raid of her boyfriend’s hidden storage space. Hathaway’s boyfriend of four years, Raffaello Follieri, was arrested late last month on federal charges of money laundering and fraud after an elaborate scheme in which he bilked investors out of millions. He claimed to be the CFO of the Vatican and told investors he could get Catholic land in the US at bargain basement prices. Follieri hired church officials to accompany him to meetings and bribed Vatican employees to help him pull off the scheme. Hathaway broke it off with Follieri after his arrest and he is said to be desperate to try and get back in touch with her.

Hathaway’s effects, including her personal diaries, were among the items confiscated by the FBI in their search for evidence in the case against Follieri. Now it seems that nude photos of the actress taken by her ex were also found. Her brother was seen trying to retrieve items from the storage which the FBI had raided the day before, and it’s possible he was looking specifically for those pictures.

The Enquirer has learned exclusively that her ex-lover Raffaello Follieri took naked photos of the actress. Follieri was arrested June 24 and charged with 11 counts of fraud and money laundering…

In additional to the naked photos he took of Anne, 25, he also prized a sizzling photo of her in black fishnet stockings, a garter belt and bustier that totally exposed her top. Follieri, 30, supposedly paid a very famous photographer to take that steamy shot.

The Enquirer learned that just recently, Anne’s brother Michael tried to gain access to a hidden storage room in the Bronx where Follieri had storied some of his and Anne’s belongings after he moved out of his apartment.

“Michael went to the storage facility, but was told he was a day late. The day before (July 15), FBI agents had removed numerous documents, photos and what were believed to be Anne’s diaries from the storage room….

Michael was told that he could not get into the room or take anything out.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, August 11, 2008]

Follieri is now in NY’s Metropolitan Correctional Center and the Enquirer notes that he has been unable to raise bail, which has been set at $21 million. He is an obvious flight risk considering the depths of his lies and his ties to Italy.

Hathaway appeared topless in Brokeback Mountain, so it’s not like her image will be ruined if these are average nude photos and they get out. Maybe the FBI will keep them safe though and she doesn’t have much to worry about.

Anne Hathaway is shown promoting Get Smart with the cast in London on 7/10/08. Credit: WENN

Anne Hathaway really got herself into some pretty big problems with ex-boyfriend Raffaello Follieri. The real estate investor (more accurately referred to as a con man) is still languishing in jail, unable to afford his $21 million bail. Hathaway has cut all ties with him, but the Daily News just revealed that the FBI has seized Anne’s private diaries as evidence in their case against Follieri.

Anne Hathaway could be drawn deeper into the fraud scandal of her ex-boyfriend, Raffaello Follieri, now that FBI agents have seized the actress’ private journals, sources tell us.

The agents confiscated the intimate diaries of the “Devil Wears Prada” star during another raid on Follieri’s $37,500-a-month Trump Tower pad, according to the sources. Seeking to bolster their case against the dashing Italian, who has been charged with 11 counts of fraud and money laundering, agents are also said to have seized photos of Follieri with Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and John and Cindy McCain. Also confiscated were documents, watches, a Tiffany clock, an antique Bible and personal photos of Follieri and Hathaway.

Hathaway, who has been charged with no crime, has cut off all contact with the 30-year-old Follieri, say sources. While Follieri recently had associates return to Hathaway a $250,000 abstract painting that had hung in his pad, “she’s changed her numbers so he can’t reach her,” says a friend. “Raffaello has been trying to call her all the time.”

According to friends, he still wonders whether Hathaway, 25, helped put him behind bars. “He was in Europe, working on a deal,” says a source. “He didn’t have to come back to New York. He knew he was being investigated. But she kept calling him, saying they needed to resolve their future. A few days after his return, he was arrested.”

[From the New York Daily News]

Follieri’s friends say that he’s, “doing very badly,” and being abused in jail. It’s hard to tell if it’s anything unusual or just the run-of-the-mill stuff that’s bound to happen in prison. It certainly isn’t Trump Tower. I’d guess that a lot of things might feel like abuse to Follieri in comparison to the life he was living.

Most stories seem to hint strongly at the likelihood that Anne Hathaway cooperated with the FBI. Frankly I don’t find that as horrendous as most people seem to. The man is accused of committed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of fraud. She was dumb to have stayed with him so long, but frankly I don’t think loyalty to your boyfriend requires breaking the law and lying for him. It’ll be pretty interesting to hear what those diaries contain.

Here’s Anne with Kate Hudson on the set of their upcoming new movie ‘Bride Wars’ in Manhattan on May 28th. Photographer: Patricia Schlein. Images thanks to WENN.

You know what I lay in bed worrying about? What does Donald Trump think of my relationship? Whenever I’m not sure what to do, I remind myself of the letters printed on a bracelet I wear around my wrist: WWDTD? What would Donald Trump do? Would he fight over who has to do the dishes? Would he think it’s okay if I withhold sex as punishment?

Luckily Anne Hathaway doesn’t have to wonder, because the Donald has felt it appropriate to throw his weight behind ex-boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, and call Anne out for leaving the criminal sleaze bag.

Donald Trump may have a new sparring partner on his hands.

The “Apprentice” head honcho has raised a critical eyebrow at “Get Smart’s” Anne Hathaway for dumping her boyfriend, and Trump Tower resident, Raffaello Follieri, days before he was arrested and charged with fraud.

“She hasn’t remained very loyal to him, has she?” Trump told “Access Hollywood’s” Billy Bush. “So when he had plenty of money, she liked him, but then after that, not as good, right?”

Trump said this week, prior to Follieri being taken into custody and his bail set at $21 million, Trump Tower has been surrounded by media.

[From Access Hollywood]

Yeah, what a terrible person Anne Hathaway is for not sticking around once it became clear her boyfriend really was a scumbag criminal. So far there’s no way to know exactly how much Anne Hathaway knew, and if she realized Follieri was committing a crime. I’m guessing she probably was aware of it on some level but deluded herself.

On the other hand, Donald Trump does have a little bit of a point. Which makes me pretty damn mad. Because I should never have to write a sentence like that. The Daily News says that Follieri’s pals all think Hathaway ratted him out to the FBI before he was arrested. If so, she obviously knew some useful stuff. I’m guessing she broke up with him because of her own PR needs. Though really, that would have been a great reason to break up with the guy a long time ago. I hate it when Donald Trump is right.

It looks like Anne Hathaway dumped her boyfriend of four years at just the right time. Italian “businessman” Raffaello Follieri, 29, was just arrested yesterday for charges of money laundering and wire fraud. He also told a whopper of a lie to an undercover agent that he was CFO of the Vatican and could get church land cheap:

Manhattan prosecutors say an Italian businessman who has been romantically linked to movie star Anne Hathaway has been arrested on wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges.

Raffaello Follieri is due in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday.

He is accused of falsely telling an investor that he had been appointed as the chief financial officer of the Vatican.

Authorities say he claimed that, as a result of that connection, he and others could obtain properties of the Catholic church in the United States at a substantial discount to fair market value.

Follieri runs a Catholic charity that claims its purpose is vaccinating children in the third world, but it sounds like it was just a front for a money laundering scheme. He was sued in 2007 and accused of embezzling millions from a charity organization he ran with billionaire Ron Burkle. That suit was settled out of court for a rumored $1.3 million. Follieri’s next brush with the law was after he bounced a check for $215,000 in March. The charges were dropped when he eventually made good on the funds.

Hathaway has not confirmed the split personally or through her reps, although even People magazine claimed to have a source stating it was true. She said on an episode of The View that aired last Thursday that “I’m kind of somber today.” When asked by Joy Behar if she had mood swings she said “Let’s not go there.”

It sounds like Hathaway’s personal wealth would have been at risk if she stayed with this creepy charmer. Her film Get Smart ruled the box office its opening weekend with $38 million in gross revenue. Her career can only rise, especially now that she’s gotten rid of the dead weight.

Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri are shown at the Waverly Inn on 3/9/08. She is also shown in NY on 6/17 (in the leather pants) and 6/19, thanks to WENN.

Actress Anne Hathaway, 25, has finally broken up with Italian businessman and accused embezzler Raffaello Follieri, 29, according to the Daily Mail. Hathaway had been with Follieri for four years and through several business scandals.

Follieri’s history of fraud
In 2007, Follieri was sued by billionaire Rob Burkle, who accused him of embezzling corporate money from a charity he set up with Hathaway. He was said to have used the funds to finance private jets, a penthouse, exclusive hotels and restaurants, and generally keeping a lavish lifestyle for himself and Hathaway. He settled that suit in April for around $1.3 million.

In March, he bounced a check for $215,000, but the charges were dropped when he eventually made good on the funds.

His charity, The Follieri Foundation, is currently under investigation by the NY State Attorney General’s office for reasons the state will not disclose. The Follieri Foundation has failed to file required tax forms and is most likely being audited for their financial record keeping. The charity provides vaccinations to children in the third world and most likely keeps Follieri in the lifestyle he’s stolen. When asked for comment, Hathaway’s rep said that she is no longer on the board of the Foundation and is not familiar with the investigation.

Hathaway is said to finally have come to her senses after the latest scandal broke. Her married Get Smart co-star, Steve Carrell, who’s kissing she jokingly praised in a recent interview, is said to have lent a supportive ear on set and to have helped her make the decision to finally break up with the creep:

The Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway put on a brave face at her latest film premiere last night after breaking up with long-term boyfriend Raffaello Follieri, the Mail Online can reveal.

The 25-year-old movie star ended her four year relationship with Italian-American businessman, 29, over the weekend.

The Brokeback Mountain star’s decision follows over a year of scandal linked to Follieri.

Last week, it was reported his charity Follieri Foundation, which funded vaccination programmes in developing countries, was being investigated by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

An insider tells the Mail Online that Hathaway made the painful decision to end their relationship because of the effects his controversial business dealings could have on her career….

During the making of Get Smart earlier last summer, Hathaway formed a friendship with co-star Steve Carell, who lent her a supportive ear during her problems with Follieri.

‘She seemed to really be enjoying her freedom, and making new friends in L.A., especially Steve.’

Hathaway’s split from Follieri may mean she finally moves to Hollywood, after years of insisting she would remain on the east coast to stay close to her beau.

A pal said: ‘She seemed to really be enjoying her freedom, and making new friends in L.A., especially Steve.’

[From The Daily Mail]

Anne had an original interview in last week’s Star Magazine, and when asked if marriage with Follieri was “in the cards,” she answered:

“It is in the cards. Absolutely. Just not yet. I’ve always wanted a family. I’m not one of those people who says, ‘What’s the point of marriage? My parents have been married 25 years, in all the glory and all the pain that you can imagine, but they’ve stayed together. I want a strong marriage like that.” [From Star Magazine, print edition, June 16, 2008]

It sounds like Anne realized that Raffaello wasn’t the guy who would be able to weather life’s storms with her. Especially from whichever Federal prison he may end up in.

Anne Hathaway is shown at the Get Smart premiere in London last night, thanks to WENN. Raffaello and Anne are shown at the Oscars on 2/24/08.

Anne Hathaway’s boyfriend Raffaello Follieri seems like he may very well be a totally skeevy jerk. Rumors about his terrible money mismanagement have been circulating for years, and he was sued several years ago by L.A. billionaire Ron Burkle, who claimed Follieri mismanaged funds meant for his charitable foundation and instead used the money to finance his lavish lifestyle with Hathaway.

Follieri settled the lawsuit earlier this year, and was then arrested for writing a bad check – for $215,000. Now that he’s gotten that little issue taken care of, New York’s Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating the children’s charity Follieri runs – for a plethora of financial misdeeds.

Cuomo’s investigators in recent weeks served subpoenas seeking financial documents from the Follieri Foundation, which is headed by Hathaway’s beau, 29-year-old Italian businessman Raffaello Follieri, the AG’s office confirmed yesterday. Cuomo’s office refused to reveal why it was eyeing the Manhattan-based charity, which says its programs include vaccinating Third World children.

Confirmation of the probe came after Cuomo’s office was asked whether it was aware that the foundation might have failed to file tax-disclosure forms required of nonprofit groups. A check of an online database that collects the “990″ IRS forms showed that the Follieri Foundation is required to file the form, yet has never done so.

Hathaway, who also starred in “The Princess Diaries,” served on the foundation’s board until at least last year, when she traveled to Central America with Follieri for a charity-funded vaccination program. “She was on the board, but is no longer,” Hathaway’s spokesman said. “I don’t remember exactly when she ceased to be a board member.” Asked whether Hathaway, 25, knew about the probe and its focus, he said, “Since she is no longer associated with the foundation, why would you expect her to be familiar with all of this?”

Follieri’s spokeswoman, Melanie Bonvicino, said, “Raffaello Follieri and his attorney, Cyrus Vance [Jr.], have been cooperating fully with the Attorney General’s Office to satisfy their routine inquiry. Furthermore, Mr. Follieri looks forward to concluding this matter in a timely and expeditious manner . . . so that he may continue to fulfill his ongoing philanthropic endeavors worldwide.”

[From the New York Post]

Given Follieri’s excessively long record of financial misdeeds, it seems perfectly likely that he’s done something illegal with his charitable foundation. He always manages to buy himself out of his troubles, which is odd because you’d think that if he had that money, he should have just done the right thing in the first place. Which makes it seem like he’s not simply bad at managing money and/or making some dumb financial choices or mistakes. It seems like he’s trying to swindle people. Follieri and Hathaway have been dating since 2004, and there are no signs that she’s wising up to this guy.

Here’s Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on March 13th. Images thanks to Splash.

29 year-old Actress Anne Hathaway’s boyfriend, Italian cad Raffaello Follieri, won’t be charged for writing a $250,000 bad check in March. The guy he wrote the check to has dropped the charges after he eventually got paid by Follieri.

Last year Follieri was sued for $55 million by billionaire Ron Burkle for spending company money from a charity he set up with Hathaway. Burkle accussed Follieri of “wilfully and systematically misappropriating” around $1.5 million to keep Hathway in a lavish lifestyle that included private jets, a penthouse apartment, and five star restaurants and hotel stays.

Follieri settled that lawsuit last month for around $1.3 million.

He may be in the clear, but this probably won’t be the last time this guy is shady with money. Bang! Showbiz notes that he’s been dating 25 year-old Hathaway for four years and that she said “I love Raffaello with everything, and I don’t know how I could ever be with anyone else, ever.” Open your eyes, girl. You’re a beautiful successful actress and deserve an honest devoted man. Follieri looks charming like a snake while it circles its prey.

[Story details from Bang! Showbiz found on AZCentral via Fark]

Anne Hathaway and Raffaello Follieri are shown at the Oscars on 2/24/08, thanks to WENN.