Italy's foreign minister denounces a cyberattack against him and his family for supporting Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani reported on Saturday that cybercriminals are spreading his personal data on the dark web, a part of the internet that requires special tools to access and that can also be used to sell stolen information. According to the official, those responsible are seeking to obtain new information about him and his family, in what he considers an intimidation campaign linked to Italian support for Ukraine.

"For several days now, cybercriminals have been spreading my personal data on the dark web and seeking to obtain more information, thereby exposing me to new threats and intimidation," Tajani wrote on his X account, as reported by AFP and also noted by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

The head of Italian diplomacy, who also serves as vice president of the government of Giorgia Meloni's government, stated that those responsible are willing to pay for additional information about their loved ones.

"My response is very simple: I will not be intimidated in any way," he said, while promising to continue working to protect Italy and strengthen cooperation with its allies in the face of cyber threats.

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Italy links the threats to its support for Ukraine

Tajani maintained that the actions against him are politically motivated and linked to Rome's support for Kyiv since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

"Our position on Ukraine is the political reason why I am in their crosshairs," the minister stated, defending Ukraine's right to preserve its sovereignty and independence.

The Italian government maintains its diplomatic, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine, in addition to backing the European Union's sanctions against Moscow, as detailed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official website.

According to Sky TG24, the actions have been attributed to the pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16), although Tajani did not explicitly identify those responsible in his public statement.

Meloni expresses her support for the minister

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with Tajani and voiced her concern over the dissemination and possible sale of confidential information belonging to public officials.

According to the Associated Press, Meloni pointed to pro-Russian hackers as those responsible for the leaks and warned that these threats must be confronted with determination.

For his part, Tajani explained that Italy has strengthened the digital protection measures of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the creation of a department specializing in cybersecurity as of Jan. 1, 2026.

The minister did not specify what personal information was disclosed or the extent of the leak. However, he assured that his government will continue to work with its allies to address the threats and protect Italian institutions.