Meloni says pro-Russian hackers put Tajani data on dark web

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers Saturday for putting Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's personal data on the dark web, a leak he linked to Italy's position on Ukraine.

Tajani, also Italy's vice premier, wrote on X that cybercriminals had circulated his personal data for days and were seeking more, exposing him and his family "to new threats and intimidation." His family had been targeted too, he said, and those responsible "are prepared to pay for other details on me and my loved ones." The dark web requires specialist software to access and is often associated with crime.

"Our position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted," Tajani said. "Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation's democracy and independence, is dangerous for these criminal entities."

Tajani said he would not be "intimidated in any way" and would continue defending his ministry and Italy while building closer ties with allies.

Meloni cites false images

Meloni offered Tajani her full solidarity over "what has come to light regarding the activities of pro-Russian hackers and the dissemination of personal data relating to him on the dark web." The sale of officials' confidential information was deeply concerning and required a determined response, she said.

"Of equal concern is the circulation of false images, which have also been shared by members of the opposition," Meloni said. "Freedom of expression must never become a breeding ground for disinformation," she said.

It was not immediately clear what the images showed or which opposition members shared them.

Accounts differ on responsibility

The Associated Press and CBS News reported that Tajani did not identify who was responsible for the leak. He suggested the threat continued, though he did not specify the type of data shared.

The Hindu, however, reported that Tajani attributed the publication of his data to what he said were pro-Russian hackers. Tajani said the attacks were also a response to the Foreign Ministry's work to improve cybersecurity.

The Hindu cited Reuters as saying screenshots it had seen placed Tajani's picture on a list of 18 "citizens hostile to the Russian Federation," alongside cybersecurity experts. Inquisitr could not independently verify the report.

A person close to Tajani told Reuters that the material turned up during cybersecurity authorities' monitoring of a dark web section reachable through the Tor network. Further inquiries into the leak are under way, the person said.

Moscow has not commented on the incident, and Russia has consistently denied involvement in cyberattacks or hacking operations abroad.

Bloomberg reported that Meloni's accusation followed an increase in hybrid disruptions by entities aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin's government.

Russia, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to hold trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi next week.