Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said that cybercriminals circulated his personal data on the dark web, exposing him and his family to threats and intimidation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers, although Tajani did not publicly identify the attackers. The episode highlights how digital harassment and data leaks can be used to pressure political leaders.
Tajani, who is also Italy’s deputy prime minister, announced the breach in a social-media post. He said that for days, cybercriminals had been spreading information about him on the dark web while trying to obtain additional details about him and his relatives. He said the criminals were even prepared to pay for further personal information, creating what he described as new threats and intimidation for his family.
The foreign minister did not specify exactly what data had been leaked or which group carried out the attack. However, he linked the targeting to Italy’s position on Ukraine, saying that defending a sovereign state’s freedom and supporting democracy and independence had made him a target. He also said the attack appeared to be a reaction to measures Italy had taken to strengthen cybersecurity at its foreign ministry.
Meloni expressed full solidarity with Tajani and described the alleged sale of confidential information about government officials as a matter of grave concern. She said it must be addressed with the utmost determination, framing the incident as an attack not only on an individual minister but on Italy’s institutions. Her statement came amid wider concern across Europe about cyberattacks, sabotage, drone incidents, and other hybrid threats.
Tajani rejected the intimidation and vowed to continue his work. “I will not allow myself to be intimidated in any way,” he said, adding that he would keep defending his ministry and Italy while strengthening cooperation with partners to improve collective security. Italy remains a supporter of Ukraine, providing humanitarian and military assistance as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
The incident follows a series of security disruptions across Europe, including hoax bomb threats that caused flight diversions, threats against broadcasters, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, and drone incursions. Authorities have not publicly attributed those threats to a particular group or state, and no evidence has emerged directly linking the hoaxes to a government. Still, the alleged leak of Tajani’s data has intensified concerns that political figures and critical institutions are increasingly vulnerable to online intimidation campaigns.
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