Italy's Meloni says pro-Russian hackers behind Tajani data leak
Italy's foreign minister says his personal data was posted on the dark web and that people are offering money for more about him and his family. He has asked the G7 to take up hybrid threats.
As of 9:55 p.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says his personal data has been published on the dark web, and Premier Giorgia Meloni has pointed to pro-Russian hackers, the Associated Press reported.
"For days, cybercriminals have been spreading my personal data on the dark web and seeking other information, in fact exposing me and my family to new threats and intimidation," Tajani said Saturday in a social media post, according to AP. He added that the criminals "are prepared to pay for other details on me and my loved ones."
In a separate statement, Meloni expressed solidarity with Tajani "following the revelations about the activities of pro-Russian hackers, and the publication on the dark web of personal data," according to AP's translation. She called attempts to sell confidential information about government officials "a matter of grave concern that must be addressed with the utmost determination," AP reported.
What is known about the leak
Tajani did not say what information had been shared or who might be responsible, AP reported, but he suggested the threat was ongoing and reiterated the government's support for Ukraine. "I will not allow myself to be intimidated in any way," he said, according to AP.
Italy's Foreign Ministry said cybersecurity teams had found the data in recent days in an area of the dark web reached through the Tor anonymity network. The ministry said Rome Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, Postal Police Director Ivano Gabrielli and Paolo Tassan-Zanin had received the same threats.
Screenshots seen by Reuters showed Tajani's picture among a list of 18 "citizens hostile to the Russian Federation" that also included cybersecurity experts. A person close to the minister told Reuters that further investigations were under way. Moscow has not commented, Reuters said, and Russia has consistently denied involvement in hacking operations abroad.
G7 asked to take up hybrid threats
Tajani asked that hybrid threats be discussed at the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in France on Nov. 9 and 10, the Foreign Ministry said.
Sources
- Associated Press, "Italy's Meloni blames pro-Russian hackers for leak of foreign minister's data on the dark web," Nov. 7, 2026, via The Seattle Times
- Reuters, Giulia Segreti, "Italy foreign minister says he has been targeted by pro-Russian hackers over Ukraine backing," Nov. 7, 2026, via Internazionale
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Tajani: Personal data published on the dark web; request to discuss hybrid threats at the next G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting," Nov. 7, 2026
