Minister's information leaked on the darknet - pro-Russian group is singled out

For several days, Foreign Minister Tajani's personal data has been spread on the darknet, a hidden part of the internet that is often used for criminal activities. It is unclear exactly what kind of information, but it is said to be about the minister's private and professional life. In addition, money should be offered to people who give out information about Tajani and his family. He describes it as the activity posing a threat to him.

According to Corriere Della Sera, information was discovered on the Tor search engine, which allows users to surf anonymously. The hacker group Noname057(16) is suspected of being behind the attack, according to Italian media. It has previously been linked to cyber attacks against grocery stores around Europe, writes Corriere Della Sera. In a list published by the pro-Russian hacker group, it asks for information on 18 people it deems to be "hostile to the Russian Federation".

Russia has not commented on the data but has previously denied that Moscow is involved in cyber attacks abroad.

In addition to Tajani's name, the list also included Rome's chief prosecutor, the head of the Italian IT police and several people who work with cyber security in Italy.

In a post on the platform X, Tajani writes that the Italian government's support for Ukraine is behind the incident. He will not be intimidated by the incident. Aid to Ukraine remains intact.

"I will continue to strengthen ties and cooperation with our allies so that we can protect ourselves together," he writes.

In a letter to the French foreign minister, Tajani writes that "we are facing a hybrid war", reports Reuters. He wants the issue to be at the center of discussions at the upcoming G7 meeting in Paris on Monday.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also links the incident to Russian hackers. She expresses her support for the foreign minister, writes La Stampa.

"The sale of confidential information about representatives of the institutions is deeply concerning and must be dealt with with the utmost determination," she writes.

A criminal investigation has been launched into the case in Rome.