Meloni Blames Pro-Russian Hackers for Leak of Italian Foreign Minister's Data

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday that his personal data had been published on the dark web, exposing him and his family to threats and intimidation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers for the breach and expressed solidarity with her deputy.

Tajani announced the leak in a social media post, saying cybercriminals had spent days spreading his personal information online and were offering to pay for additional details about him and his relatives. He did not specify exactly what data had been disclosed, but indicated the threat was ongoing.

The incident followed a wave of hoax bomb threats and other security disruptions across Europe. In recent weeks, false alarms have caused flight diversions, forced evacuations of broadcasters, and targeted supermarket refrigeration systems. Drone incursions have also added to the sense of heightened vulnerability.

Meloni issued a separate statement backing Tajani. She described the dark web publication of personal data about government officials as a grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination. Her office linked the activity to pro-Russian hacking groups, though no specific organization was named.

Tajani, who also serves as one of Italy's vice premiers, said he would not be intimidated. He pledged to keep defending his ministry and Italy, and to strengthen cooperation with allies to improve collective protection against such threats.

While Tajani did not directly accuse any group of carrying out the attack, he restated the Italian government's support for Ukraine. The statement comes amid broader concerns in Europe about Russian-backed influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks aimed at destabilizing Western governments.