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Investigations into the attack on Ranucci focus on Artur Shehu, the journalist denounced him for his links to Cosa Nostra

Politiko 2025-11-26 16:09:01

Investigations into the attack on Ranucci focus on Artur Shehu, the journalist

The investigation into the explosion near the apartment of Italian journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, on the night of October 16, has taken a new turn, leading investigators beyond Rome to Albania.

Over a month after the event, the Italian prosecution is focusing attention on a single name: Artur Shehu, 58 years old, an Albanian businessman who has been displaced for years in the United States, known from several investigations as a figure with important criminal connections, Italian media write .

According to investigative sources, Shehu's name was also referred to the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate, based on information collected from Vlora. The Albanian track is being treated as credible, especially after an episode broadcast on April 21, 2024 by the investigative show "Report", where Shehu was mentioned several times in the context of international drug trafficking, high-level connections and contacts with Italian mafia groups such as Cosa Nostra and Sacra Corona Unita.

In that television episode, it was also revealed that Shehu had donated 30,000 square meters of land near Vlora to a foundation run by General Fabrizio Lisi, the former head of Interpol in Albania – a donation brokered by lawyer Enjell Agaci, secretary general of the Council of Ministers. This element was considered “sensitive” due to possible links to Albanian state figures.

In parallel, magistrates of the Rome Anti-Mafia Directorate and carabinieri of the Frascati and Via In Selci investigative units are conducting in-depth verifications of Shehu's activities, movements and connections, to understand whether the content of the "Report" episode may have affected foreign interests and brought about retaliatory consequences.

The investigation remains open on other leads. According to authorities, the attack on Ranucci is not seen as an isolated act. In the summer, someone is suspected of trying to force their way into the journalist's second home, which has increased suspicions of a well-organized scenario of pressure or intimidation.

Meanwhile, Ranucci has received widespread public and institutional support. The case has raised concerns about the safety of investigative journalists and the intertwining of organized crime interests with sensitive political and economic issues.

 

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