A gang of snoopers, allegedly led by former supercop Carmine Gallo and Fondazione Fiera Milano President Enrico Pazzali, reportedly accessed police databases. They aimed to gather sensitive information on business, political, and showbiz figures, according to wiretaps released on Sunday.
Prosecutors called the group an “unacceptable threat to democracy.” Wiretaps revealed the hackers’ intent, with one saying, “With the reports we have in hand, we can discredit all of Italy.”
Snoopers Nunzio Calamucci and Giulio Cornelli were heard saying, “Now we have found the photos… the guys from the Prosecutor’s Office found them for me… of Amara and Mazzagatti with forty thousand euros on the table.”
Prosecutor Francesco De Tommasi warned of the group’s dangerous influence. He described them as “a danger to the democracy of this country.” He added that their illegal “dossier-making” allowed them to control “business dynamics and public procedures.” Investigators said the group’s activities revolved around Equalize, a company linked to Pazzali, who allegedly led the organisation alongside Gallo. Pazzali was also connected to lawyer Piero Amara, who, two years ago, alleged the existence of a “Hungary Lodge” in Italy’s judiciary.
Those allegedly targeted include Paolo Scaroni, former Eni CEO, and Giovanni Gorno Tempini, head of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa, singer-songwriter Alex Britti, and ex-Milan Mayor Letizia Moratti were also reportedly affected. Calamucci, said to handle data for the group, claimed to have 800,000 pieces of sensitive information on “six, seven million USB sticks,” or “at least 15 terabytes.” He allegedly stated, “here’s how we screw the whole of Italy.”
Six arrested, 60 under investigation
Around 60 suspects are under investigation, including Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, son of the Luxottica founder, and banker Matteo Arpe. Six suspects are under arrest, with Gallo now under house arrest. The investigation revealed involvement from hackers and ex-investigation firm employees accused of illegal access, wiretapping, and setting up unauthorised databases. National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo described it as a “gigantic and alarming” market for confidential data.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio warned hackers are increasingly outpacing law enforcement and called for updated laws. Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani condemned the group’s actions as “an unacceptable threat to democracy.” Premier Giorgia Meloni said in journalist Bruno Vespa’s book, “No rule of law can tolerate illegal dossier gathering.”
A related probe into a former Intesa Sanpaolo employee showed unauthorised access to VIP accounts, including those of Meloni and her sister Arianna. Meloni commented, “They are targeting Arianna because she lacks the protections I have, but hitting her is like hitting me.”
