Tajani Reports New Family Threats After Hackers Leak His Personal Data

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on November 7 that cybercriminals had been circulating his personal data on the dark web. He linked the targeting to Italy's support for Ukraine, according to The Local.

The disclosure also brought threats against his family. Tajani said on X that he would not be intimidated, Adnkronos reported. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed pro-Russian hackers for publishing the information, according to BBC News. That attribution remains a claim by Italian officials, rather than an established finding in the supplied coverage.

On November 8, Tajani argued that cyberattacks and hybrid warfare were targeting democratic systems. Ahead of a meeting in Paris, he called for a strong response from the G7, TGcom24 reported.

By November 9, an investigation into the dark web data had begun. ANSA reported that the action against Tajani, Lo Voi and Gabrielli was suspected to be the work of the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16). The report presented that identification as provisional.

On November 10, Tajani took the issue to the G7 in Paris. He met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha and US Secretary of State Rubio, brought cyberattacks into the discussions and reaffirmed support for Kyiv, according to Adnkronos.

On November 11, the threats escalated in Tajani's account. Speaking during Question Time in the Chamber of Deputies, he said he had received new intimidation that day and that minors in his family had not been spared. He said bounties had also been placed on them, Adnkronos reported.

The targeting now extends beyond Tajani's own information. On November 12, Fanpage reported that family members' data had been circulated on the dark web with help from people it described as Italian volunteers. That account adds a possible domestic contribution to activity Italian officials have blamed on pro-Russian actors.

Tajani has continued to reject intimidation and defend assistance to Ukraine. The supplied reporting does not establish how the data was obtained or provide a final investigative finding identifying those responsible.

The investigation's findings will be central to separating official attribution from demonstrated responsibility. Open questions include who collected and distributed the information, whether Italian participants helped, and how the threats against family members relate to the original leak.

Another unresolved issue is what practical response follows Tajani's push at the G7. Adnkronos reported that hybrid warfare would be discussed at Italy's request, but the supplied coverage does not specify an agreed response.