Rachel Morgan investigates allegations against Valter Lavitola, a prominent Italian businessman and former journalist, who is suspected of masterminding an explosive attack on investigative reporter Sigfrido Ranucci's home. The bomb plot raises concerns about the escalating threat to journalists in Italy, particularly those known for scrutinising government officials and exposing corruption.
The investigation into Lavitola follows the arrest of four individuals believed to have been commissioned by him to carry out the assault last October at Ranucci's residence near Rome. A powerful explosive device was detonated outside the property, causing significant damage to two cars belonging to Ranucci and his daughter. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blast.
Ranucci, host of the investigative programme 'Report' on Rai, expressed shock at Lavitola's alleged involvement. The two men reportedly became acquainted in 2019 after Ranucci conducted a journalistic investigation into Lavitola, who has a history of legal entanglements, including a conviction for extorting former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the alleged attack. Lavitola is suspected of having instructed someone to identify individuals to plant the bomb, allegedly remunerating them with several thousand euros for their involvement. Ranucci's investigative work on 'Report' frequently examines allegations of crime and corruption within government circles, earning him numerous threats throughout his career.
Ranucci has previously faced bullets outside his home in 2024 and was informed by a former prisoner that mobsters had given an order for his assassination after the publication of his book on the Italian mafia in 2021. The bomb attack represents a "worrying new level" of threat, according to Ranucci, given its direct occurrence at his residence.