Apology to Paolo and Guelfo Marcucci

Author : Graham Atkins Solicitor | Published On : 23 Aug 2026

Our programme, "The Price of Blood", broadcast on 8 October 2006, reported on an unsuccessful prosecution in Italy of Paolo and Guelfo Marcucci, the owners of the Marcucci group of companies which included, at the time, the biopharmaceutical company Sclavo SpA.

It was not our intention to allege in the programme that the Marcuccis had sold or distributed blood derivative products that were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, or which were likely to be infected. Nor did we intend to suggest that as a result they had endangered lives.

We accept that these allegations are untrue and regret any impression we gave to the contrary. We have apologised to the Marcuccis and agreed to pay damages and their legal costs.

Reference Post: http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_9548000/9548226.stm