Scheme behind attack on RAI journalist revealed, mastermind arrested, accomplice wanted

Valter Lavitola, an Italian businessman, was arrested by the Carabinieri, while authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Clesio Gomez Tavares, on suspicion that the two orchestrated the explosive attack against Sigfrido Ranucci, journalist and host of the “Report” program on RAI.

Lavitola’s capture took place in the Trastevere area of the Italian capital. Meanwhile, Tavares, who is abroad, is the subject of an arrest warrant. According to the precautionary measure signed by the investigating judge of Rome, Iole Moricca, the plot had a dual purpose: first, to create the idea that Ranucci was a target requiring special protection, and second, to inflate his public image in order to steer him toward a future in politics.

Although Lavitola was considered a friend of the journalist, the investigation completely excludes Ranucci from any knowledge or approval of the plan. According to the judge, he fell victim to manipulation and showed signs of shock and disbelief when informed of the suspected involvement of the person close to him.

The evidentiary basis rests on intercepted conversations and messages extracted from Lavitola’s cellphone. Investigative documents show that he had long been trying to convince Ranucci to abandon journalism and run for high office. In a communication dated July 29, 2024, Lavitola urged him to leave the screens behind, while on June 26, 2025, he wrote that attacks against him would serve as a springboard for increased popularity.

Investigations reveal that Lavitola saw such an incident as a maneuver to turn Ranucci into a strong public figure, even to the point of claiming the presidency. As early as 2024, he had told the journalist that he could be one of the few stable leaders in Italy and that within two years he could reach the head of state.

The incident occurred in October 2025 in Pomezia, near Rome, where an improvised explosive device was activated near the journalist’s residence. At the end of June, the investigation led to the arrest of four individuals, three men and one woman, who are considered the material executors of the attack. They face charges of possession and detonation of explosives, threats, and causing damage, with the aggravating factor of the crime committed within a criminal group.

According to the prosecution, Lavitola devised the entire scheme and assigned Tavares the task of finding people capable of obtaining explosives and carrying out the attack. Tavares is suspected of playing the role of intermediary and on-the-ground coordinator, recruiting and training the perpetrators. He is also believed to have participated in a final reconnaissance of the area on October 10, 2025. Since he has left Italy and is thought to be hiding in Cameroon, the judge issued an arrest warrant in absentia.