- November 4, 2024
- 11:46 pm
- World News
A massive hacking scandal engulfing Italy escalated after investigations revealed links to the Vatican and Israeli intelligence.. This is reported by Politico.
The investigation into the hacking scandal that broke out in Italy is rapidly turning into an international political crisis, writes. At the center of the scandal was private detective company Equalize from Milanwhich allegedly provided services to foreign intelligence agencies and foreign government agencies for cyber attacks on Russian and other targets. According to leaks to Italian media, this service was used by the Vatican and Israeli intelligence services. Data about possible intervention by the Israelis and the Catholic Church add intrigue to the case and highlight the scale of cyber espionage.
Politico explores this complex chain of events, revealing the roles of key players, possible motives and international implications.
Hacker network in Milan: Israel and Vatican under suspicion
According to data leaks, Key figures from the Vatican and Israeli intelligence met with Equalize representatives to discuss the operation against Russia. This information emerged thanks to police wiretaps, which say that the company's main task was to search for information about the financial transactions of wealthy Russians supporting the Wagner Group mercenaries. In particular, it says that it turns out A representative of Equalize held a meeting with two Israeli agents in Milan in February 2023 in order to carry out a cyber attack against Russian targets and… the unidentified “right hand” of the Russian President for €1 million.
Moreover, Israel allegedly helped the Vatican in this matter: for some reason, the Holy See was very interested in financing the Wagner group.
In addition to a million euros, Israeli representatives offered Equalize “all original documents” on the so-called “Catargate” – a corruption scandal in the EU that affected dozens of people associated with the European Parliament. In addition, Israel was supposed to help the Italian energy giant Eni with information about “illegal trade in Iranian gas with Italian companies.”
Quote: “The work had to include not only the search for financial trail leading to the Wagner group, but also incriminating information about the Russian elite,” the report says Politico.
The role of Israeli intelligence and the Vatican
Leaks show that Israeli intelligence has offered to cooperate, including providing original documents in the Qatargate case, a major corruption scandal involving the European Parliament and Qatar. The Israelis promised to exchange information and offered assistance to the Italian company in matters related to unauthorized trade in Iranian gas. These actions imply not only commercial interests, but also political intentions to influence international relations.
Political reaction in Italy
Politicians in Italy have expressed deep concern over the scale of the hacking scandal. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the situation “unacceptable” and announced the creation of a working group to protect the ministry and embassies abroad.
Quote: “Ties to foreign players such as the Vatican and Israel highlight the strategic threat to the country,” said Senator Ivan Scalfarotto.
International implications and involvement of other countries
Investigators found traces of an international hacker network operating through servers in the UK and Lithuania. In the UK, for example, groups of hackers were organized, which, according to wiretaps, could also be involved in attacks on other foreign targets.
Connection with Wagner: disclosure of financial channels
Particular attention is paid to the financial trail that leads to the Wagner mercenaries. Equalize's work, according to the documents, identified transactions and bank accounts supporting the paramilitary group. This information may have been passed on to the Vatican to create a common dossier, raising questions about the role of religious and intelligence structures in global politics.
Who is behind the operation: the founder of Equalize and his connections
Nunzio Samuele Calamucciaccused of organizing a massive hacking network, was previously associated with the hacktivist group Anonymous and even claimed to have penetrated Pentagon systems. His actions and alleged cooperation with Israeli intelligence agencies highlight the level and danger of this operation. Calamucci and his associates, including former police investigator Carmine Gallo, have been placed under house arrest and are being questioned.
| Persons involved | Position/role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nunzio Samuele Calamucci | Founder of Equalize | Under house arrest |
| Carmine Gallo | Former investigator, Equalize partner | Under investigation |
| Israeli agents | Suspected Collaborators with Equalize | Transaction participants |
| Vatican representatives | Possible customers | No data available |
Conclusion: Questions and Next Steps
The discovery of an international hacking network in Italy opens new questions about the role of various states in cyber espionage operations. The involvement of Israel and the Vatican in actions against Russian targets indicates that political conflicts have long moved into cyberspace.
Investigators around the world, including the UK and Lithuania, are preparing to investigate further. The Italian Foreign Ministry has also strengthened the protection of its embassies abroad to prevent such attacks.
For up-to-date information on this scandal, stay tuned to the website. NAnews.
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