Explosive attack on Sigfrido Ranucci sparks investigation

An explosive device detonated beneath the car of leading Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci late on Thursday outside his home in Pomezia, south of Rome, destroying the vehicle, damaging a second family car and injuring no one, authorities and the journalist said on Friday. The blast also damaged the facade of the house and prompted an immediate criminal probe by investigators and prosecutors.

Police and forensic teams are examining the device and the scene. Investigators from the Carabinieri and DIGOS, the police unit that handles terrorism and organized crime, are involved in the inquiry and are working to determine the type of device used and the motive for the attack. Anti‑mafia prosecutors have opened an investigation into criminal damage with aggravating circumstances that suggest mafia‑style methods, officials said. Firefighters and forensic crews also responded to the explosion.

Ranucci, who hosts a weekly televised investigative program, has been under police protection for several years and told authorities that he and his newsroom have previously received threats, including bullets. He said the device, which investigators described as rudimentary and...