Pro-Russian hackers leak Italian foreign minister’s data on dark web

What the report says

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his personal data had been posted on the dark web, prompting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to blame pro-Russian hackers for the leak. In a social media post reported by Al Jazeera, Tajani said cybercriminals had been circulating his information for days and were trying to gather more details about him and his family, which he said exposed them to threats and intimidation.

The incident comes as European authorities face a broader wave of cyber and disruption threats, including hoax bomb alerts and other incidents that have affected flights, broadcasters and infrastructure. Tajani, who also serves as Italy’s deputy prime minister, said he would not be intimidated and suggested the attacks were tied to Italy’s support for Ukraine and its efforts to defend a sovereign state’s democracy and independence.

Meloni described the publication of confidential information about government officials as a serious concern and said it should be addressed firmly. Tajani also indicated that the ministry treats the matter as ongoing and is coordinating a response with allied countries. Al Jazeera reported that he did not specify exactly what data had been shared.

The case highlights the growing use of online leaks and intimidation tactics against public officials in Europe, and the added pressure on governments to harden digital defenses.