In brief
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced his personal data had been leaked on the dark web by pro‑Russian hackers, blaming Italy’s backing of Ukraine for the attack. The minister said he would not be intimidated and highlighted new cybersecurity measures at the foreign ministry. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed support, while Moscow has denied any role.
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, told a post on X on Saturday that his personal data had been released on the dark web by what he described as pro‑Russian hackers, exposing him and his family to “new threats and intimidation.” The leak, according to Reuters, is tied to Italy’s support for Ukraine, which the minister claimed made him a target.
The claim is echoed by Anadolu, which reported that Tajani linked the incident to the country’s backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and said the perpetrators “were seeking further details about him and his loved ones.”
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a strong supporter of Ukraine among Western leaders, backed Tajani’s statement and said the sale of confidential information was a “matter of serious concern,” citing a Reuters report.
Russia has not commented on the incident, and Moscow has consistently denied involvement in any cyber‑attacks abroad, according to Reuters.
On X, Tajani posted:
My reaction is very simple: I will not be intimidated in any way.He added that a new cybersecurity directorate, established on January 1, is actively countering intrusions linked to “state entities hostile to us,” a statement carried by Anadolu.
Screenshots seen by Reuters showed Tajani’s picture among a list of 18 “citizens hostile to the Russian Federation,” including cyber‑security experts, and were found in a dark‑web section monitored by Italian cyber‑security authorities.
Further investigations are ongoing, with Italian cyber‑security officials continuing to monitor the breach, Reuters reported.
