PRIESTS BLACKMAILED FOR GAY AFFAIRS

PRIESTS BLACKMAILED FOR GAY AFFAIRS

(ANSA) - Potenza, July 26 - Italian police arrested two men accused of blackmailing priests by keeping their homosexual affairs secret in exchange for thousands of euros Tuesday.

According to police, two men extorted money from at least a dozen priests in the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Molise, Puglia and Sicily.

Authorities began their investigation three months ago when one of the priests reported the suspects who allegedly made their threats by telephone from the southern town of Maratea.

Officials visited the homes of the priests in question Tuesday to acquire further information.

None of the priests are charged with a crime.