Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the target of cyberattacks and intimidation attempts after the publication of personal data on the dark web

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Saturday that he is the target of cyberattacks and intimidation attempts after his personal data was published on the dark web. He said the attackers are also seeking information about his family members and offering money to obtain additional details.

In a message posted on the X platform, Tajani said cybercriminals have been circulating his data for several days, exposing him to further threats. The Italian official believes the attacks are linked to Rome’s position on Ukraine and its support for defending the freedom, democracy and independence of the Ukrainian state.

Italy continues to support Kyiv with humanitarian and military aid despite domestic political tensions. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that the government is preparing a new military assistance package for Ukraine, the first this year and the 13th since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The package is due to be approved after the report is presented to the parliamentary intelligence and security committee, COPASIR. Support for Kyiv is being challenged by the League party as next year’s general elections approach, but Crosetto says Italy will honor its commitments to its European allies, NATO and Ukraine.