Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributes the breach to pro‑Russian hackers while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirms a persistent cyber‑threat.
Published On 7 Nov 2026
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that his personal data has been disseminated on the dark web, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributed the breach to pro‑Russian hackers.
In a Saturday social‑media post, Tajani stated that for several days cyber‑criminals have been publishing his personal data on the dark web and seeking additional information, exposing him to new threats and intimidation.
The threats against Tajani, who also serves as Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, coincide with a wave of hoax bomb threats across Europe that have caused flight diversions, security alerts at broadcasters, and disruptions to supermarket refrigeration systems.
“They are also targeting my family; they are willing to pay for more details about me and my loved ones,” Tajani added on X. “My response is very simple: I will not be intimidated in any way.”
‘Matter of grave concern’
Meloni expressed solidarity with Tajani “following the revelations about the activities of pro‑Russian hackers and the publication of personal data on the dark web”.
She described attempts to sell confidential information about government officials as “a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination”.
Tajani further noted that Italy’s “position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted: defending the freedom of a sovereign state and taking a clear stand in support of a nation’s democracy and independence is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities”.
He also suggested that the cyber‑threats may be a reaction to the Italian government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Foreign Ministry’s digital defenses.
Tajani did not specify the exact nature of the shared information but indicated that the cyber‑threat remains ongoing.
He added that the ministry is taking the threats seriously and is coordinating its response with allied countries.
