Meloni Blames Pro-Russian Hackers for Leaking Tajani's Personal Data

Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that cybercriminals have spent several days disseminating his personal data on the dark web. Tajani stated the leak has exposed him and his family to threats and intimidation, noting that criminals are attempting to purchase further details about his loved ones. He attributed the targeting to Italy's political position regarding Ukraine.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributed the breach to pro-Russian hackers, describing the sale of confidential information concerning government officials as a matter of grave concern. The incident is part of a broader wave of hybrid disruptions across Europe, including drone incursions, hoax bomb threats, and attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems. Other Italian officials have also been targeted by Russian-aligned entities.

In response to the breach, Tajani requested that hybrid warfare be prioritized on the agenda of a G7 meeting in Paris. He vowed that he would not be intimidated and will continue working to defend his ministry and Italy. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the attacks.