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Italy is embroiled in a major scandal as authorities investigate dozens of individuals—some linked to Italy’s security services—in connection with an alleged conspiracy involving hacked government databases and the creation of illegal dossiers on prominent figures. Four people were arrested on Friday, with investigators uncovering links between current and former officials in the security sector and a private intelligence agency accused of selling sensitive information for financial gain.
Among those under scrutiny are Equalize, a business intelligence firm led by former “super cop” Carmine Gallo, which allegedly hacked government and police databases to compile dossiers on influential targets. According to investigators, these targets include senior politicians, business leaders, football players, and even Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has condemned the practice as “intolerable” and a threat to democracy.
Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has urged parliamentary intervention, cautioning that this scandal may be “just the tip of the iceberg.” Italian prosecutors indicated the conspiracy had support from organized crime and foreign intelligence services, posing a broader risk to national security.
High-Level Involvement and Widespread Corruption
Italian authorities allege that Equalize’s reach extended across multiple sectors, leveraging contacts in law enforcement and government to illegally access sensitive information. Prosecutors claim the firm offered to influence investigations and trials, and that clients—including large corporations and law firms—used these illegal dossiers to undermine competitors or manipulate official decisions.
Over sixty people face charges ranging from conspiracy to hack government systems to disclosing official secrets, corruption, and illegal wiretapping, according to RAI News. The breached databases reportedly included data from police intelligence, Italy’s revenue agency, and Bankitalia, with some data allegedly used in blackmail schemes or sold to Equalize’s clients.
Investigators led by anti-mafia prosecutor Francisco De Tommasi suggest that this illegal operation dates back to at least 2019, continuing until earlier this year. Equalize’s website, which touts services to “protect the economy from criminal interference,” did not respond to requests for comment.
Broader Security and Privacy Concerns
In response to the scandal, Italy’s Interior Ministry has initiated an investigation into unauthorized access to government databases. The government is now launching a review of the country’s IT infrastructure and privacy laws to address potential vulnerabilities.
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