Why it matters: The breach potentially exposes officers involved in counterterrorism and monitoring Chinese dissidents, raising serious national security concerns and complicating Italy’s relations with Beijing.
What we know: The intrusion allowed attackers to download classified personnel data.
- Such operations are often associated with Chinese state-linked intelligence activity.
- Mant of the targeted officers were assigned to tracking dissidents who fled China.
Diplomatic paradox. In 2024, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi met in Beijing with his counterpart Wang Xiaohong.
- The two countries launched a three-year cooperation plan on drugs, cybercrime, human trafficking and organised crime.
- China also responded for the first time to a request from Italian prosecutors investigating Chinese criminal networks.
Between the lines: The domestic angle. A violent struggle is underway in Tuscany over control of sectors tied to the textile supply chain, including logistics and packaging.
- The escalation since summer 2024 has involved attempted murders, arson and extortion.
- Following a public appeal by prosecutors, hundreds of exploited workers — along with Chinese entrepreneurs facing violence — have begun cooperating with authorities.
What’s emerging: Investigators in Rome suspect Beijing may already possess sensitive knowledge about Italy’s investigative structures.
What we’re watching: If confirmed, the breach could force Rome to reassess cybersecurity defences and the scope of law-enforcement cooperation with China.
