Italian Foreign Minister Says Hackers Leaked His Personal Data
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said cybercriminals have published his personal data on the dark web and are seeking further information about him and his family, exposing them to threats and intimidation.
"For days now, cyber-criminals have been publishing my personal data on the dark web and seeking further information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation," Tajani wrote on X.
He said the hackers were also targeting his family and were willing to pay for more details about him and his loved ones. Tajani did not specify what kind of information had been shared.
Tajani linked the targeting to Italy's support for Ukraine.
"Our position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted," Tajani said. "Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation's democracy and independence, is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed the incident on pro-Russian hackers and offered Tajani her "full solidarity".
"The sale of confidential information about institutional representatives is a cause of serious concern and must be tackled with the utmost determination," she said in a statement.
Meloni also expressed concern about "circulation of false images" which she said were shared by members of Italy's opposition. She did not give details about the content of the images.
Moscow has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Tajani, who is also the deputy prime minister, said the government was taking the threats seriously. He added that the ministry was coordinating its response with allied countries.
