Italian foreign minister says personal data leaked on dark web, exposing him to 'threats, intimidation'

In a post on US social media platform X, Tajani said the perpetrators had been circulating his data for days and were offering to pay for additional information about him and his loved ones.

"My reaction is very simple: I will not be intimidated in any way," he said.

Tajani linked the alleged targeting to Italy's support for Ukraine, saying: "Our position on Ukraine is the political reason why I have become a target."

He argued that defending Ukraine's sovereignty, democracy and independence "is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities."

The minister also suggested that the threats were partly a response to cybersecurity measures introduced at the Italian Foreign Ministry in recent months.

He said a dedicated cybersecurity directorate had been established on Jan. 1 to counter cyber intrusions by actors "often linked in some way to state entities hostile to us."

"We are operational and connected to our allies," Tajani said, pledging to continue strengthening cooperation against cyber threats.