Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has said that his personal data had been disseminated on the dark web, an encrypted part of the internet, and that he has been exposed to “threats and intimidation.”
In a social media post on Saturday, Tajani said those responsible were also seeking further information about him and his loved ones.
“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,” he said.
He added that the criminals “are prepared to pay for other details on me and my loved ones.”
Tajani, who also serves as Italy’s deputy prime minister, did not specify what information had been shared or identify those responsible. His remarks suggested the threat was ongoing.
“I will not allow myself to be intimidated in any way,” he said.
Increasing cyber threats across Europe
“I will continue working to defend my ministry, and Italy, and I will further strengthen the ties and cooperation to protect ourselves together.”
Tajani also reiterated the Italian government’s support for Ukraine, without attributing responsibility for the data leak.
His announcement followed a string of hoax bomb threats across Europe that prompted flight diversions, security threats against broadcasters, attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems, and drone incursions.
He did not establish a connection between those incidents and the targeting of his personal data.
