A man identified as Gomes Clesio Tavares, a Cameroonian national considered the right-hand man of Valter Lavitola, has remained in Africa after receiving an arrest warrant from Rome prosecutors, according to Italian media reports. Tavares was accused of acting as an intermediary between Lavitola and the group responsible for placing a bomb outside the home of journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The explosive device detonated on October 16, targeting Ranucci, who is known for his investigative journalism on television programs such as Report. Lavitola, who was arrested earlier this month, confessed during an interrogation that he was the mastermind behind the attack, claiming he wanted to increase Ranucci's security by making him a public figure. Tavares, speaking to Italian state television Tg1, explained that he had decided to stay in Africa due to medical advice. He mentioned having suffered from blood clots and consulted with his cardiologist, who advised against travel. He expressed a desire to return to Italy to explain his side of the story but questioned why authorities issued an arrest warrant against him. His planned return was reportedly scheduled for the following week before the legal situation changed. Tavares did not confirm whether he had been informed of the warrant prior to his departure. The investigation into the bombing has revealed multiple layers of complexity. Prosecutors allege that Lavitola, former director of the newspaper Avanti!, orchestrated the attack to elevate Ranucci’s profile and protect him from potential backlash from the Rai, the Italian public broadcaster. According to court documents, Lavitola sought to transform Ranucci into a target to boost his popularity, which would have shielded him from criticism within the organization. Lavitola’s attorney declined to comment on whether Ranucci was aware of the plot, stating he could not provide an answer. During interrogations, Lavitola claimed there were no political motivations behind the attack, insisting it was solely for Ranucci’s benefit. However, investigators noted discrepancies in his statements. Lavitola initially suggested foreign intelligence agencies might have been involved, citing concerns over possible interference from the Mossad. This theory was later dismissed, and Lavitola shifted focus to local criminal groups, including the Camorra, suggesting they posed a greater threat to Ranucci than foreign entities. Ranucci, who was interviewed by prosecutors as a witness, did not mention his close relationship with Lavitola despite being asked to recount aspects of his personal and professional life. Investigators found evidence that Lavitola had suspected foreign involvement early on, communicating these suspicions to Ranucci through encrypted messages. Despite this, Ranucci did not disclose these discussions during his testimony. In addition to Lavitola, Tavares is under scrutiny for his alleged role in facilitating communication between Lavitola and the perpetrators. Tavares was reportedly present at Lavitola’s restaurant, the Cefalù Bistrot, where the two men frequently met. There is photographic evidence from 2022 showing Tavares alongside both Lavitola and Ranucci. In 2024, Ranucci allegedly asked Lavitola if he could lend Tavares for some unspecified purpose. Investigators are examining the final phone call between Ranucci and Lavitola before the bombing. They suspect this conversation may hold key information about Ranucci’s awareness of the plot. While Lavitola has admitted to orchestrating the attack, questions remain about how much Ranucci knew and whether he played any role in the incident. The case continues to unfold with new revelations emerging from the analysis of digital communications and intercepted conversations among suspects.
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