ROME

A cyberespionage scandal in Italy involving a former high-ranking police officer has sparked allegations of selling confidential information from high-profile companies and individuals to foreign intelligence agencies, including those of Israel and the Vatican , for financial purposes.

The Milan public prosecutor’s office, in charge of the investigation, revealed that a cyberespionage network allegedly obtained sensitive information on high-profile personalities.

The main suspects are former police officer Carmine Gallo, once considered a “super cop”, and Enrico Pazzali, president of the Milan Fair Foundation.

The investigation suggests that the suspects accessed data by infiltrating the servers of ministries and police departments, which was then leaked to foreign intelligence agencies.

Gallo and Pazzali are accused of selling sensitive information through their private company, Equalize, which allegedly made millions of euros from these transactions.

Recent Italian media reports indicated that Gallo, currently under house arrest, had used an encrypted phone equipped with Israeli technology.

The revelation raised questions about the involvement of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. It was alleged that Mossad agents entered into agreements with Equalize, engaging in information exchanges.

Notably, two individuals suspected of being Mossad agents reportedly visited Equalize during the investigation.

The investigation also revealed that the stolen data includes sensitive information on major Italian companies, such as energy company ENI, Mediolanum Bank and Barilla, as well as details on well-known figures such as Olympic athlete Marcell Jacobs and several men policies.

It is believed that the data was intended to influence business dynamics and public proceedings or to be sold to intelligence agencies for profit.

One of those detained, Nunzio Samuele Calamucci, had 15 terabytes of data, the equivalent of 800,000 files, and was allegedly recorded wiretaps discussing potential deals.

“Putin’s right-hand man… This is what the Church wants… Are we going to help the Church against Russia or not? Are they going to give us something for next year?” he was heard on wiretap.

Another suspect, Marco Malerba, a former police officer under house arrest, admitted to giving Gallo access to the state database, explaining that he “couldn’t say no” because of the authority de Gallo on him.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the scandal as “unacceptable”, stressing that “there is an information market in Italy” which must be reduced.

She noted that a decree on cybersecurity had already been published before the revelations and that a technical committee is currently working on a new decree.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto demanded an immediate parliamentary investigation, warning that state secrets could be at risk and described the information revealed as merely “the tip of the iceberg.”

Anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo previously said the investigation revealed “a massive and alarming market for confidential data.”

As the scandal unfolds, the implications for Italy’s cybersecurity landscape and the integrity of its institutions remain profound.

*Gizem Nisa Cebi contributed to this story in Istanbul

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