Italian Foreign Minister Reports Personal Data Leaked on Dark Web

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on the social media platform X that cybercriminals have published his personal data on the dark web. He stated that the leaks have left him exposed to new threats and intimidation.

Tajani identified his country's backing for Ukraine as the primary motive for the attack. He wrote, "Our position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted." He added that defending a sovereign state's democracy is dangerous in the eyes of the hackers involved.

The minister noted that the leaks have been ongoing for several days. He said the criminals were seeking further information and were also targeting his family, which widened the circle of those affected by the breach. Tajani did not specify the exact nature of the threats he now faces.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed the incident on pro-Russian hackers. She offered Tajani her full solidarity in a statement released by her office. Meloni described the sale of confidential information about institutional representatives as a serious concern that must be tackled with determination.

The dark web is a concealed section of the internet that does not appear in common search engines. Accessing it requires specialist software. Tajani, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said the government is taking the threats seriously. There was no indication that Italy's position on the war in Russia would change because of the leaks.

Meloni also expressed concern about the circulation of false images. She said these images had been shared by members of Italy's opposition but did not provide details about their content. She did not identify who she believed had created them. Moscow has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Italian officials.

The Italian government has provided both humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. Tajani remained one of the most senior figures in Meloni's government while managing the fallout from the cyberattack. The incident highlights the digital risks faced by high-ranking officials who take public stances on international conflicts.