In brief
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told followers on X that pro‑Russian hackers leaked his personal data on the dark web. He said the move was retaliation for Italy’s backing of Ukraine and that it exposed him and his family to intimidation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the sale of confidential information was a serious concern while Russia denied any role.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that pro‑Russian hackers had posted his personal information on the dark web, exposing him and his family to threats and intimidation. Reuters reported that the data appeared in a section of the Tor network that lists 18 "citizens hostile to the Russian Federation," including Tajani.
"I will not be intimidated in any way," Tajani wrote on X.
Tajani posted a short message on the social‑media platform X claiming that attackers were offering to pay for more information about him and his loved ones.
Tajani says the cyberattack is retaliation for Italy’s support for Ukraine. He said Italy’s position on Ukraine is the "political reason" he has become a target and added that defending Ukrainian sovereignty is "dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities."
He also linked the threats to recent cybersecurity upgrades at the foreign ministry. A dedicated cybersecurity directorate opened on January 1 to counter intrusions by actors linked to hostile state entities, Tajani said, and pledged to keep strengthening cooperation with allies.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed Tajani, calling the sale of confidential data a “matter of serious concern.”
Moscow has denied involvement. Russian officials have consistently said they are not behind cyberattacks or hacking operations abroad.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, according to Reuters. Authorities are monitoring the dark‑web activity and working to identify the hackers behind the leak.
The data leak raises worries for public officials worldwide, showing how diplomatic actions can trigger targeted cyber threats and personal danger.
