Italy's Spy Scandal Involving Mossad: A Threat to Democracy
Italy is currently facing a significant internal spying scandal that has raised alarms about national security and the integrity of its political system. The scandal involves a private investigations firm, comprised of current and former senior security service members, accused of stealing personal information about prominent politicians, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The firm is reported to have connections with Israel's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, which has drawn international attention and concern.
The investigation, as detailed by Yedioth Ahronoth, has led to the arrest of at least four individuals, with many more under scrutiny. The case has been characterized as a conspiracy involving high-level mafia members and intelligence officials, alongside foreign intelligence agencies. Prime Minister Meloni has condemned the alleged plot, labeling it "unacceptable" and a "threat to democracy." Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has called for an urgent parliamentary investigation, expressing fears that state secrets may have been compromised.
Hacking Allegations and Foreign Intelligence Involvement
The scandal has further deepened with allegations that cybersecurity experts and hackers may have breached the servers of Italy's interior ministry. Investigators are focusing on a former senior police official, who leads the private intelligence firm "Equalize," as the primary suspect. This individual is accused of hacking into government and police servers from 2019 to 2024 to compile extensive files of sensitive information, which he allegedly sold or intended to sell to clients, including major corporations and law firms.
Reports indicate that the investigation uncovered a visit from unidentified Israelis, purportedly intelligence agents, who sought information related to Iranian gas transactions that could interest Italy's state gas company, Eni. This visit was reportedly facilitated by a senior police member involved with Italian intelligence. The Israeli agents were looking to gather intelligence on Russian hackers and banking transactions connected to the former Wagner Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin before his death. The Open website has suggested that the Israelis offered confidential information about illegal gas dealings from Iran in exchange for insights into Russian hacker activities, with the Vatican allegedly playing a role in facilitating actions against Russia.
