Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said he and his family have been targeted by cybercriminals who published personal data on the dark web, attributing the campaign to Italy’s support for Ukraine.

In a statement posted on X, Tajani wrote that “cybercriminals have for days been spreading my personal data on the dark web and seeking other information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation.” He added that the actors “involve my family as well” and “are ready to pay for other details about me and my loved ones.”

Tajani directly linked the activity to Italy’s foreign policy: “Our position on Ukraine is the political reason why I have come under fire. Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, clearly standing in favor of the democracy and independence of a nation, is dangerous for these criminal entities.” He also said the targeting appeared to be a reaction to cybersecurity measures he has implemented at the Foreign Ministry (Farnesina), including the creation of a dedicated “cyber directorate” on January 1 to counter intrusions “often linked in some way to state entities hostile to us.”

He concluded that he “will not be intimidated in any way” and will continue working to defend the ministry and Italy while strengthening cooperation with allies.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “full solidarity” with Tajani. She stated that the activity of pro-Russian hackers and the circulation of personal data on the dark web were “a cause for great concern” and that “the sale of confidential information about institutional figures must be tackled with the utmost determination.”

Reports from Italian media, including Il Sole 24 Ore and Il Fatto Quotidiano, identify the group behind the listing as NoName057(16), a pro-Russian collective widely described as linked to Russia’s GRU military intelligence. The group is said to have published a list of roughly 18 European figures labelled “enemies of the Russian Federation” on a dark-web section called “Tribunale.” Profiles reportedly include phone numbers, email addresses, social-media profiles, biographical details, and home addresses, along with offers of payment for additional information, including on family members. Other Italian names on the list include Rome prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi and postal police chief Ivano Gabrielli. The Rome prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation.

Tajani and Forza Italia have served as a reliable and consistent partner to Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy within the governing coalition, helping maintain coherence and continuity in Italy’s foreign policy. As Foreign Minister and party secretary, Tajani has aligned closely with the government’s firm Atlanticist orientation and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, while reinforcing Italy’s commitment to the EU, NATO, and transatlantic ties. This partnership has reduced internal friction on key international issues and projected a more unified Italian position abroad, even as the coalition balances domestic priorities.

The episode occurs against the backdrop of Italy’s sustained support for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, including humanitarian and military aid, and ongoing hybrid threats such as DDoS attacks against Italian institutional websites that the same group has claimed. Tajani has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion, supported a “just peace” that does not penalize Ukraine, and warned of Russian hybrid interference in Europe.

Caption: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (R) meets European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas in Rome, Italy, 2 October 2026. EPA/VINCENZO LIVIERI

Updated: November 7, 2026 – 15:04