Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has accused pro-Russian hackers of publishing his personal information on the dark web, saying the breach has exposed him and his family to threats and intimidation.
Tajani disclosed this on Saturday in a post on X, saying cybercriminals had been circulating his personal data online for several days and were seeking additional information him and his relatives.
He alleged that the attackers were offering to pay for further details him and his family.
The minister linked the incident to Italy’s support for Ukraine, saying the country’s position on the war had made him a target.
“Our position on Ukraine is the political reason why I have become a target,” Tajani said, adding that he would not be intimidated by the attacks.
He also suggested that the hackers were reacting to measures introduced by Italy’s Foreign Ministry to strengthen its cybersecurity systems.
Tajani said he had established a dedicated cybersecurity directorate within the ministry to protect it against cyber intrusions, including attacks by groups allegedly linked to hostile state entities.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Tajani, describing the circulation and sale of confidential information belonging to public officials as a matter of serious concern.
She called for a determined response to the incident.
Reuters reported that screenshots reviewed by the news agency showed Tajani’s photograph on a dark web list of 18 people described as hostile to the Russian Federation. The list also included cybersecurity experts.
Russia had not publicly commented on the allegations as of Saturday.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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