Four arrested over bomb attack on Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci
Italian police arrested four people on 30 June 2026 for the October 2025 bomb attack that destroyed two cars belonging to investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci outside his home near Rome.
On 30 June 2026, Italian Carabinieri arrested four individuals for the bomb attack that targeted Sigfrido Ranucci, the host of Rai television's investigative programme Report, outside his home in Pomezia in October 2025. The arrests cap an eight-month investigation led by Rome prosecutor Carlo Villani.
The attack
On the evening of 16 October 2025, an explosive device detonated in front of the gate of Ranucci's residence in Pomezia, near Rome. The blast destroyed two cars parked on the street, belonging to Ranucci and his daughter, and damaged a perimeter wall. Ranucci, who already had a security detail because of prior threats, was not injured.
The arrests and the suspects
The arrested are Antonio Passariello, Saverio Mutone, Pellegrino D'Avino and Marika De Filippi. Passariello and Mutone reside in Avella, in the province of Avellino, and De Filippi and D'Avino also live there, while Passariello hails from Cicciano in the Naples province. Investigators say the group acted on commission for a payment of several thousand euros. They face charges of possession and use of explosives, criminal damage and threats, aggravated by mafia-style methods. Passariello and Mutone have prior involvement with organised crime and drug trafficking; De Filippi, D'Avino's girlfriend, had no criminal record and was placed under house arrest with an electronic bracelet.
- Bomb detonated outside Ranucci's home in Pomezia, destroying two cars and damaging a wall.
- Passariello boasts about the attack in intercepted conversation, says 'Mi pagano' (they pay me).
- Another intercepted conversation: Passariello states 'La bomba sono andato a mettere là' (I went to put the bomb there).
- Carabinieri arrest four suspects in Avella area on charges including explosive possession and mafia-aggravated damage.
The hunt for masterminds
The four appear to be the material executors. Who ordered the attack and what the motive was remain unknown. According to the precautionary custody order, the suspects were offered legal assistance and money to flee abroad: they could choose among Spain, Austria or France, with a daily allowance of €200 for 10 to 15 days. In intercepted conversations, the group discussed the offer but ultimately refused it, fearing it might be a trap.
But what if they do something bad to me and make me disappear?
The investigation, now led by the anti-mafia district directorate, is focusing on identifying the mandanti.We don't need 200 euros a day for a month.
Boasts and intercepted calls
Crucial evidence came from the suspects' own words. In a March 2026 conversation, Passariello described the attack to an associate:
He added,Two, three cars blew up... they said the daughter was inside... but when... we were there for two hours.
and confirmed,One hand washes the other... you know?
In April, Passariello boasted again:They pay me.
Another suspect, Luca Amato, joined in:I went to put the bomb there... Ranucci, journalist, what's the place called? Ostia!
The judge's order noted that these repeated admissions, plus matching statements from co-suspects, formedWe really made boom boom... what a thing exploded!
pointing to their involvement.grave, precise and concordant elements
Reactions
Ranucci, speaking on Rai 3 the morning of the arrests, said he had sensed something was coming but that nothing had leaked from the investigation.
He added,He promised me he would wrap up the investigation and kept his word.
Now we need to understand the details and whether there are other levels behind it.
