Businessman arrested as mastermind in Italian journalist bomb attack

Italian police have arrested businessman Valter Lavitola, alleging he orchestrated a bomb attack against prominent investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci last October. Lavitola, who reportedly had ties to former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, is accused of ordering the assault outside Ranucci's home in Pomezia, a town south of Rome.

The explosion destroyed two cars belonging to Ranucci, known for his hard-hitting investigations into corruption and the mafia. Ranucci, who has been under police protection since 2021 due to the sensitive nature of his work, was not injured in the blast. His daughter had passed by the location just half an hour earlier.

Authorities claim Lavitola instructed another individual, Tavares Gomes Clesio, to recruit four men to plant the bomb. These four men were apprehended in June. Police are still searching for Gomes. According to the arrest warrant, investigators believe Lavitola thought the bombing would enhance Ranucci's public profile, potentially ahead of a political career. Ranucci, a popular figure on Rai's investigative show "Report," was reportedly unaware of Lavitola's alleged plans. The journalist had previously described Lavitola as a "true friend."