Overview

Vincenzo Vinciguerra is an Italian neo-fascist terrorist and former member of the far-right Ordine Nuovo (New Order) organization who carried out the 1972 Peteano car bombing that killed three Carabinieri (Italian military police) officers. Initially; the attack was falsely blamed on left-wing Red Brigades terrorists; part of the "strategy of tension" designed to shift public opinion against the Italian left. In 1984; Vinciguerra confessed to the Peteano bombing and; crucially; revealed the existence of Operation Gladio; NATO's secret stay-behind paramilitary network in Italy and across Western Europe. He testified that his bombing was carried out with the knowledge and support of Italian military intelligence (SISMI) and the Gladio network; and that a systematic campaign of false-flag terrorism committed by right-wing groups was protected by Italian intelligence services and NATO structures. His confession triggered a massive investigation by Italian judge Felice Casson; which led to the exposure of the entire Gladio network in 1990 by Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. Vinciguerra is serving a life sentence in Italian prison and has continued to provide testimony about the deep state structures that facilitated decades of false-flag terrorism in Italy; including the Bologna railway station bombing (1980; 85 dead) and the Piazza Fontana bombing (1969; 17 dead).

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (1)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports