Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who also serves as the country’s deputy prime minister, has announced that his personal information has been disseminated on the dark web. In a statement posted to social media on Saturday, Tajani reported that the incident has left both him and his family vulnerable to persistent intimidation and threats.
According to Tajani, the individuals behind the leak are actively seeking additional information regarding him and his relatives. He stated that these cybercriminals are currently prepared to provide payment for further details about his personal life. While Tajani did not disclose the specific nature of the data compromised or identify those responsible, he indicated that the threat remains ongoing.
Addressing the security breach, Tajani maintained a firm stance, stating, "I will not allow myself to be intimidated in any way." He added that he intends to continue his work to protect his ministry and Italy, while further strengthening cooperation to enhance collective safety. He also reiterated the Italian government’s ongoing support for Ukraine, though he did not attribute the data leak to any specific party.
This development follows a broader trend of cyber-related security incidents across Europe, including a series of hoax bomb threats that prompted flight diversions, security threats against broadcasters, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, and drone incursions. However, Tajani noted that he has not established a direct connection between these recent European incidents and the targeting of his own personal data.
