// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Italian foreign minister says hackers leaked his personal data
Antonio Tajani says the hackers also targeted his family
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says he has been targeted by "cyber-criminals" who published his personal data online because of his country's support for Ukraine.
"For days now, cyber-criminals have been publishing my personal data on the dark web and seeking further information, effectively exposing me to new threats and intimidation," Tajani wrote on X.
He did not specify the nature of the threats, but said the hackers were also targeting his family.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by common search engines and can only be accessed with specialist software.
"Our position on Ukraine is the political reason I have been targeted," Tajani said.
"Defending the freedom of a sovereign state, taking a clear stand in support of a nation's democracy and independence, is dangerous in the eyes of these criminal entities."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blamed the incident on pro-Russian hackers and offered Tajani her "full solidarity".
"The sale of confidential information about institutional representatives is a cause of serious concern and must be tackled with the utmost determination," she said in a statement.
Moscow has not publicly responded to the allegations.