Rome, Italy (CNN) -- A Nigerian man who sang in a Vatican choir arranged gay liaisons for an Italian government official who served in the unpaid role of papal usher, according to transcripts of wiretaps collected by Italian authorities. 

The wiretaps were gathered as part of an investigation into how public-works contracts were awarded. 

The purported conversations were between Angelo Balducci, who oversaw the Italian government's awarding of construction contracts -- including work on the airport at Perugia -- and Thomas Chinedu Ehiem, a 39-year-old Nigerian singer. They were recorded between April 14, 2008, and January 20, 2010. 

In addition to working for the government, Balducci served as a "gentleman of his holiness," also known as a papal usher or "Vatican gentleman." The main responsibility of the ceremonial position is to welcome heads of state to the Vatican and escort them to see the Pope. 

Balducci is one of three public officials who, along with a businessman, have been jailed on charges related to corruption in the public works department. The public officials are alleged to have awarded contracts to businessmen who offered them favors, money, sex, and/or house remodeling in exchange. The suspects, who deny the charges, are in "cautionary custody" though they have not been charged or indicted. 

The Italian news media have nicknamed the scandal "grande opere," which translates as "big works." The transcripts of the wiretaps were made public on Wednesday and widely disseminated in the media. 

Balducci's lawyer, Franco Coppi, lambasted investigators' handling of his client. 
What is the name of the Nigerian performer?
What did he arrange?
For who?
Who caught him doing so?
How?
When did this happen?
What other role did Balducci serve?
What other phrase is that position known as?
What does that entail?
And take them where?
How many public officials have been arrested?
What allegedly happened/
For what else?
Have they been indicted?
What has the scandal been nicknamed?
What does that mean?
Who is Franco Coppi?
Thomas Chinedu Ehiem
Thomas Chinedu Ehiem, a 39-year-old Nigerian singer
gay liaisons
A Nigerian man who sang in a Vatican choir arranged gay liaisons
an Italian government official
arranged gay liaisons for an Italian government official who served in the unpaid role of papal usher
Italian authorities.
according to transcripts of wiretaps collected by Italian authorities. 
wiretaps
 wiretaps collected by Italian authorities. 
2008, to  2010.
They were recorded between April 14, 2008, and January 20, 2010. 
a papal usher
Balducci served as a "gentleman of his holiness," also known as a papal usher or "Vatican gentleman."
gentleman of his holiness
Balducci served as a "gentleman of his holiness," also known as a papal usher or "Vatican gentleman."
welcome heads of state to the Vatican
he main responsibility of the ceremonial position is to welcome heads of state to the Vatican and escort them to see the Pope
to see the Pope
 escort them to see the Pope
three
Balducci is one of three public officials who, along with a businessman, have been jailed
they awarded contracts for favors
The public officials are alleged to have awarded contracts to businessmen who offered them favors
money, sex, and house remodeling
who offered them favors, money, sex, and/or house remodeling in exchange
yes
 been jailed on charges related to corruption in the public works department
grande opere
The Italian news media have nicknamed the scandal "grande opere," 
big works
"grande opere," which translates as "big works."
Balducci's lawyer
Balducci's lawyer, Franco Coppi