Italian Prime Minister Meloni blames pro-Russian hackers for leaking minister's data

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attributed a cyberattack involving Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to pro-Russian hackers, the Washington Examiner and DW both reported on Saturday. DW reported that Tajani, who also serves as vice president of Italy's Council of Ministers, announced on Saturday that personal data had been stolen from him and published on the dark web. [1][2]

Meloni stated that she stands by Tajani following the publication of his personal information, according to the Washington Examiner. DW reported that Tajani claimed in a statement on X that he was targeted because of the Italian government's position on Ukraine. DW also reported that Tajani claimed criminals were prepared to pay for additional details about him and his family. [1][2]

The Washington Examiner reported that the hackers were purportedly motivated by Italy's strong support for Ukraine. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Meloni previously reiterated her support for coordinated action on Ukraine in a letter to European Council President António Costa. [1][8]

The leak follows a series of bomb threats that grounded flights across the European Union, according to DW. The outlets did not specify if any suspects have been formally identified by authorities. [2]