Italy's Meloni accuses pro-Russian hackers of blackmailing foreign minister

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused pro-Russian hackers of leaking personal data belonging to Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and several of his family members on the dark web in an attempt to blackmail him, according to CBS.

Tajani, who also serves as deputy prime minister, confirmed he had been intimidated by the publication of his personal information on the dark web by hackers he described as pro-Russian. He said the attacks were linked to his support for Ukraine and his commitment to backing Italy’s allies.

He added that the attacks were also a response to the foreign ministry’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity.

Tajani explained that the hackers are seeking more information about him and his family and are willing to pay for it, noting that the leaks have continued for several days and have affected several family members.

Meloni expressed her full support for Tajani, warning of the dangers of selling confidential information about government officials and describing the situation as "deeply concerning."

Screenshots seen by Reuters showed Tajani’s photo among a list of 18 "citizens hostile to the Russian Federation," including cybersecurity experts.

A source close to the minister told Reuters that the material was found in a section of the dark web accessible via the Tor network, as part of monitoring activities by cybersecurity authorities, with investigations ongoing.

In a message to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Tajani called on G7 countries to include the issue of "hybrid warfare" and recent cyberattacks on Europe’s critical infrastructure on the agenda of the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting, aiming for a coordinated response.