Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that his personal data has been disseminated across the dark web, exposing him and his family to ongoing intimidation linked to Rome’s support for Ukraine.
While Tajani initially pointed to cybercriminals operating on encrypted networks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a separate statement on Saturday explicitly blaming pro-Russian hackers for the security breach.
The Political Cost of Supporting Kyiv
Tajani, who also serves as a vice premier in Italy’s government, did not specify what exact confidential records were leaked. However, the minister made it clear that the perpetrators are actively seeking additional personal details and are prepared to pay for further information regarding him and his loved ones.
For days, cybercriminals have been spreading my personal data on the dark web and seeking other information, in fact exposing me and my family to new threats and intimidation,
Tajani said in a social media post, noting that the culprits are willing to pay for more details on his household.
Tajani argued that Italy’s visible diplomatic alignment is the root cause of the targeting.
Our position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted,
Tajani stated. Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation’s democracy and independence, is dangerous for these criminal entities.
Meloni Condemns Confidential Data Sale as Security Threat
Prime Minister Meloni expressed full solidarity with her foreign minister, characterizing the breach as a direct assault on Italian state institutions. In her statement, Meloni emphasized that the unauthorized sale of confidential information concerning government representatives constitutes a grave security threat requiring immediate, uncompromising action.
The sale of confidential information about institutional representatives is a cause of serious concern and must be tackled with the utmost determination,
Meloni said.
Despite the ongoing intimidation campaign and the presence of his data within encrypted criminal forums, Tajani vowed not to alter his political stance or retreat from his official duties.
I will not allow myself to be intimidated in any way,
Tajani said. I will continue working to defend my ministry, and Italy, and I will further strengthen the ties and cooperation to protect ourselves together.
