Cyber espionage scandal in Italy involves presence of foreign intelligence agencies: Reports
Representative image of data being hacked.
A massive cyber espionage scandal in Italy has the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies, including those in Israel and the Vatican, according to media reports.
The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office, which is leading the investigation, revealed that the cyber espionage ring allegedly obtained sensitive information on high-profile figures.
Citing the office's investigation, a report by the Anadolu Agency on Sunday said that the suspects accessed datainfiltrating servers of ministries and police departments, which was then leaked to foreign intelligence agencies.
Who are the suspects?
The key suspects in this scandal included former police officer Carmine Gallo, once known as 'super cop' and Enrico Pazzali- who is president of the Milan Fair Foundation.
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TheAnadolu Agency report said that Gallo and Pazzali together run a private company called Equalize. They have been accused of selling sensitive information through Equalize, making millions of euros from the transactions.
Is Israel's Mossad involved in the scandal?
Recently, Italian media reported that Gallo, who is under house arrest, usedan encrypted telephone equipped with Israeli technology. This news led to speculations about Israel's intelligence agency Mossad being involved in the espionage scandal.
As per theAnadolu Agency report, Mossad agents might have established agreements from Equalize, engaging in information exchanges.
Two individuals suspected of being Mossad agents were reported to have visited the private companyduring the investigation, the report added.
The victims of this scandal included major Italian companies including Barilla, well-known figures, and several politicians.
Italian PM Meloni reacts to the scandal?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reacted to the scandal. Prime Minister Meloni condemned the scandal as unacceptable and emphasised there was an information market in the country that must be curtailed.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto demanded an immediate parliamentary investigation, pointing out that state secrets could be at risk.
(With inputs from agencies)