Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that personal data had been stolen from him and published on the Darknet. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni subsequently blamed pro-Russian hackers for the security breach targeting the minister.
Cyberattack Linked to Ukraine Stance
In a statement published on the social media platform X, Tajani stated that he had been targeted due to the Italian government’s position on Ukraine. He claimed criminals were prepared to pay for additional details regarding himself and his loved ones, explaining that cybercriminals had been spreading his personal data on the dark web and seeking other information for days.
The foreign minister noted that the activity exposed him and his family to new threats and intimidation. He did not specify what kind of information had been shared, but suggested the criminal activity targeting him remained ongoing. Tajani emphasized that he would not allow himself to be intimidated and would continue working to defend his ministry and Italy while strengthening ties and cooperation for mutual protection.
Government Response and Broader Context
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the incident as a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination, explicitly pointing to pro-Russian hackers as the perpetrators. Italy, alongside other EU and NATO member states, has supplied humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine during its defense against the Russian invasion.
The accusations of Russian involvement arrive as Europe experiences numerous suspected hybrid attacks allegedly orchestrated by the Kremlin. These incidents encompass drone incursions, sabotage within NATO territories, attacks on food supplies, threats against media outlets, and a series of bomb threats that have disrupted airline flights across the bloc.
