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August 18, 2026

Italy: Mafia boss offers testimony in high-profile cases — FrontPages.eu, August 18, 2026

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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

🗣️ Testimony

A major development in ongoing investigations saw mafia boss Graviano offer to testify about former Prime Minister Berlusconi and Marcello Dell'Utri. Concurrently, the Lavitola probe expanded to include alleged obstruction of magistrates, with new details suggesting Lavitola warned journalist Sigfrido Ranucci of potential attacks. Further scrutiny fell on public spending as a report revealed that commissioners overseeing stalled major works are costing taxpayers millions annually. Meanwhile, the investigation into the Antonello da Messina art heist progressed with the discovery of the thieves' van, while national broadcaster Rai faced criticism for allegedly violating its ethical code. Amid these developments, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini contended with internal strife within his Lega party. A severe homophobic attack was reported in Sardinia, and a small plane went missing en route from Sicily to Calabria.

Top Stories

Mafia boss Giuseppe Graviano has written to a judge in Caltanissetta, expressing his willingness to testify regarding former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and former Senator Marcello Dell'Utri, following a request to archive a case against Dell'Utri.

Il Fatto Quotidiano: Mafia boss Graviano writes to judge: "I want to speak about Berlusconi and…

Mafia boss Graviano has written to the judge in Caltanissetta, stating his desire to testify regarding Berlusconi and Dell'Utri, following news of an archiving request for the former FI senator.

The investigation into the Lavitola case has broadened to include alleged obstruction of justice, focusing on whether magistrates were misled. It has also been revealed that Luigi Lavitola had warned journalist Sigfrido Ranucci about potential attack risks approximately a month and a half before an incident occurred.

Il Fatto Quotidiano: Lavitola: investigation now targets obstruction of magistrates

The Lavitola case is now under investigation for alleged obstruction of justice, with inquiries focusing on whether magistrates were misled.

ANSA: Lavitola Warned Ranucci of Attack Risk a Month Prior

An investigation reveals that Lavitola had alerted Ranucci to the risk of attacks a month in advance, with a defender of Lavitola confirming this warning.

An investigation has uncovered that commissioners appointed to oversee major stalled public works projects across Italy are incurring costs of up to 100 million euros annually.

La Stampa: Stalled Major Works: Commissioners Cost Up to 100 Million Euros Annually

An investigation reveals that the commissioners appointed to oversee stalled major public works projects in Italy are costing the country up to 100 million euros per year.

New details have emerged in the theft of valuable Antonello da Messina artworks in Messina, with investigators locating the van believed to have been used by the thieves. Questions continue to surround the motive behind the difficult-to-resell masterpieces.

Il Post: The Mystery of Stolen Antonello da Messina Artworks

The recent theft of Antonello da Messina artworks, highly valuable but difficult to resell, has raised questions about the motive behind the crime, which occurred despite security measures.

ANSA: Major Theft of Antonello da Messina Works: Van Used by Thieves Found

Following the significant theft of artworks by Antonello da Messina, investigators have found the van possibly used by the perpetrators.

The investigative journalism program "Report" on Rai is facing accusations of violating the broadcaster's ethical code, leading to criticism from right-wing political factions directed at the journalists.

Il Fatto Quotidiano: "Report": Rai violates its ethical code. The right-wing against journalists

The investigative journalism program "Report" is accused of violating Rai's ethical code, leading to criticism from right-wing political factions against the journalists.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is reportedly experiencing a challenging August due to internal party dynamics and discussions about leadership changes within the Lega party.

Il Post: Matteo Salvini Faces Difficult August Amidst Lega Party Strife

Matteo Salvini's August has been challenging, with internal party dynamics within the Lega party coming to the fore, including discussions about leadership changes and potential internal associations.

Political maneuvering has seen Bartolozzi's attempt to secure a seat with Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) in Sicily halted by the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM).

Il Fatto Quotidiano: Bartolozzi seeks seat with FdI in Sicily, but CSM blocks her

Political maneuvering is highlighted as Bartolozzi aims for a seat with Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) in Sicily, a move that has been halted by the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM).

Angelo Ratti, a young man, reported being brutally attacked by a group of 30 individuals in Sardinia, an incident he attributes to homophobia.

Corriere della Sera: Gay Man Beaten by 30 People for Being Gay: The Story of Angelo Ratti, the Boy…

A young man named Angelo Ratti recounts being brutally attacked by a group of 30 people in Sardinia, an incident attributed to homophobia.

A small aircraft that departed from Sicily and was headed for Calabria has been reported missing since Sunday.

Il Post: Small Plane Disappears En Route From Sicily to Calabria

A small aircraft that departed from Sicily and was headed for Calabria has been missing since Sunday.

A news story reports on the arrest of famous Italian singer Vasco Rossi for drug-related offenses.

Corriere della Sera: Vasco Rossi Arrested for Drugs

This story reports on the arrest of the famous Italian singer Vasco Rossi for drug-related offenses.

In Prato, a police officer is currently under investigation for firing his weapon in a hospital emergency room at a suspect attempting to escape after being arrested.

Il Post: Police Officer Under Investigation for Shooting in Prato

In Prato, a police officer is being investigated for firing his weapon in a hospital emergency room at a suspect who was attempting to escape after being arrested.

Discussions are underway regarding new government measures ('Manovra') that would allocate additional EU funds for family bonuses and provide incentives for boiler replacements.

La Stampa: Manovra, From EU Funds More Bonuses for Families and Boiler Incentives

Government measures ('Manovra') are being discussed, which would provide additional EU funds for family bonuses and incentives for boiler replacements.

A video report has detailed an illegal resort located in Ischia that utilized a camouflage net to successfully evade detection by drones.

la Repubblica: Illegal Resort Covered with Camouflage Net to Avoid Drone Detection

A video report details an illegal resort in Ischia that was camouflaged with a net to evade detection by drones.

Following a period of intense heat, Italy is anticipating the arrival of storms and hail, prompting advice on how to protect against lightning strikes.

La Stampa: After the Heat, Storms and Hail Arrive: How to Defend Against Lightning

Following a period of heat, Italy is expected to experience storms and hail. This article provides advice on how to stay safe from lightning strikes.

An article explores the link between the increasing number of forest fires and climate change, offering potential solutions and strategies to address this growing environmental concern.

La Stampa: Fires and Climate Change: Why They Are Connected and How to Tackle Them

This piece examines the link between increasing forest fires and climate change, offering potential solutions and strategies to address the issue.

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