A massive cyberespionage scandal in Italy has implicated foreign intelligence agencies, including those of Israel and the Vatican, according to media reports on Sunday (November 3rd).

The Milan prosecutor’s office, which is leading the investigation, revealed that the cyber-espionage group allegedly obtained sensitive information about important figures.

Citing the bureau’s investigation, an Anadolu Agency report on Sunday said the suspects accessed data that infiltrated the servers of ministries and police departments, which were then leaked to foreign intelligence agencies.

The main suspects in this scandal included former police officer Carmine Gallo and Enrico Pazzali, who is the president of the Milan Fair Foundation.

The Anadolu Agency report says Gallo and Pazzali jointly run a private company called Equalize. They were accused of selling sensitive information through Equalize, making millions from the deals.

Italian media recently reported that Gallo, under house arrest, used an encrypted phone equipped with Israeli technology. This news led to speculation about the involvement of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad in the spying scandal.

According to the Anadolu Agency report, Mossad agents may have established agreements from Equalize by engaging in information sharing.

Two individuals suspected of being Mossad agents reportedly visited the private company during the investigation, the report also states.

The victims of this scandal included large Italian companies, including Barilla, well-known personalities and several politicians.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to the scandal. Prime Minister Meloni condemned the scandal as unacceptable and stressed that there is an information market in the country that needs to be reduced.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called for an immediate parliamentary inquiry, stressing that state secrets could be at risk.

(With contributions from agencies)