Italy's Foreign Minister Says Hackers Have Posted His Personal Data on the Dark Web

In a post on X, Tajani said cybercriminals had been publishing his personal information and seeking more, exposing him and his family to new threats and intimidation. He said those behind it were willing to pay for further details about him and his relatives. He did not say what kind of data had been released, but indicated that the threat was continuing.

The case shows how personal data on senior officials is being traded as a pressure tool. Meloni, in a separate statement, described attempts to sell confidential information about government officials as "a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination", and expressed solidarity with Tajani after what she called revelations about the activities of pro-Russian hackers.

Tajani, who is also one of Italy's deputy prime ministers, linked the attack to Rome's support for Ukraine. According to Al Jazeera, he said Italy's position on Ukraine was the political reason he had been targeted. He also suggested the attack could be a response to government efforts to strengthen the Foreign Ministry's digital defences. Associated Press reporting carried by Arab News said Tajani himself did not name who might be responsible.

The minister said the ministry was taking the threats seriously and coordinating its response with allied countries. "I will not be intimidated in any way," he wrote, according to Al Jazeera's translation.

The leak follows a string of disruptive incidents across Europe in recent weeks, including hoax bomb threats that forced flight diversions, security alerts at broadcasters, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems and drone incursions.

Italian authorities have not said publicly how the data was obtained or which group is believed to be behind its publication.