Italian Police Arrest Four Over Bomb Attack on Investigative Journalist Targeted by Mafia

Italian police arrested four individuals on Tuesday, suspected of carrying out an October bomb attack targeting prominent journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The explosion occurred in Pomezia, a residential area approximately 12 miles south of Rome, destroying two cars belonging to Ranucci. He had recently returned home when the blast happened; his daughter was nearby about half an hour earlier.

The Carabinieri police stated that the detained suspects near Naples are “strongly suspected” of offenses including possessing and using explosive devices in a public place, making threats, causing damage, and acting as part of a group larger than five with mafia-style methods. Three suspects have been placed under pre-trial detention, while the fourth is under house arrest.

Ranucci, host of the investigative program “Report” on Rai 3 TV station, reported receiving numerous threats prior to the attack. Report posted a video on social media showing the arrests. The investigation into the blast, managed by Rome’s anti-mafia prosecutor’s office, has been complex due to extensive analysis of surveillance footage and phone records.

The bomb team allegedly acted under orders from unidentified third parties, with masterminds providing support through funds, dedicated phone cards, legal assistance, and planning for potential international escape. The attack occurred on the eighth anniversary of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder by a car bomb in 2015.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Italy ranks 56th globally in press freedom.