Alleged hit squad arrested over bomb attack on Ranucci as investigators hunt masterminds

The arrests, carried out on Wednesday in the provinces of Naples and Avellino, come almost nine months after an explosive device detonated outside Ranucci's home in Torvaianica, near Rome, destroying two vehicles and damaging the perimeter wall of the property. The explosion also endangered nearby residents.

The investigation, led by Rome's Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) and the Carabinieri's Investigative Unit, alleges that the attack was carefully planned, involving reconnaissance missions, dedicated mobile phones and the use of high-powered quarry explosives. Prosecutors believe the group acted on behalf of unidentified clients in exchange for several thousand euros.

Three suspects were remanded in custody, while a fourth was placed under house arrest following an order by a Rome investigating judge at the request of prosecutor Carlo Villani.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 53, are residents of the Campania towns of Cicciano, Nola and Avella. They include a woman alleged to have carried out surveillance of the area before the attack. All four have previous criminal convictions.

According to Italian media reports, the suspects are Antonio Passariello, Marika De Filippis, Saverio Mutone and Pellegrino D'Avino. Passariello has previous convictions for offences including kidnapping, robbery, extortion and sexual violence, while the remaining suspects have criminal records relating mainly to drug offences.

Investigators say a breakthrough came from CCTV footage showing a hired Fiat 500X travelling from Campania to the Roman coast on the day of the attack before returning south shortly after the explosion. Telephone records allegedly matched the vehicle's movements, placing the suspects near the scene both on the day of the bombing and during an earlier reconnaissance visit.

Forensic examinations carried out by the Carabinieri and the RIS forensic laboratory concluded that the device contained quarry gelignite, an obsolete but highly destructive explosive. Investigators believe its use points to an illegal supply network that has yet to be uncovered.

Prosecutors allege the suspects also attempted to obstruct the investigation by destroying SIM cards, checking for surveillance devices and agreeing on common versions of events to shield those who ordered the attack. Searches were also carried out against additional individuals suspected of providing explosives or logistical support.

The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors focusing on identifying those believed to have commissioned the attack. Investigators claim the organisers not only financed the operation but also supplied dedicated telephones, legal assistance and contingency plans to help the perpetrators flee abroad if necessary.

Speaking after the arrests, Ranucci thanked investigators and prosecutors for their work.

"I knew something would eventually happen, but nothing leaked from the investigation," he said. "Now we await the next developments. I personally thanked the Carabinieri's Investigative Unit and prosecutor Carlo Villani, who promised me he would complete the investigation and kept his word. We now need to understand all the details of this case and whether there are other levels still to uncover."

 

PS