Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani targeted by pro-Russian hackers

On November 7, 2026, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that his personal data and that of his family members were leaked on the dark web. Tajani attributed the cyberattack to his government's steadfast support for Ukraine, stating that he refuses to be intimidated and will continue to strengthen relations with allied nations. The incident has been described as a hybrid attack, with investigations currently underway by the Rome public prosecutor's office.

The attack is allegedly linked to the pro-Russian hacker group 'Noname 057(16),' which had reportedly offered financial rewards two weeks prior for information concerning Tajani, Rome chief prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, and cybercrime police official Ivano Gabrieli. Reuters reported that Tajani's photo appears on a list of 18 individuals labeled as 'citizens hostile to the Russian Federation,' which also includes various cybersecurity experts. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with the minister, characterizing the breach as a serious matter that requires a robust response.