Equalize Exposed: Italian Hackers, Israeli Intelligence, and Vatican Intrigue
A major hacking scandal with international ramifications is unfolding in Italy, implicating Israel, the Vatican, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. A leak of police communications has revealed that foreign entities may have employed the Milan-based private company Equalize to breach state databases and obtain confidential information, including financial transactions, private banking records, and police investigation materials.
Equalize amassed data on thousands of individuals, including politicians, entrepreneurs, athletes, and even musicians. Media reports indicate that the company collaborated with Israeli intelligence and the Vatican. One key figure in the case is Nunzio Samuele Calamuzzi, accused of orchestrating the scheme. According to police transcripts, in February 2023, Calamuzzi met with two Israeli agents in a Milan office to discuss a covert operation valued at one million euros, with the collected data intended for the Vatican.
The Israeli side proposed an exchange of information, including access to original documents on the Qatargate case—a scandal involving suspected bribery, where members of the European Parliament allegedly received money or gifts to further Qatar’s interests. Israel also offered intelligence that could assist one of Equalize’s clients, the energy company Eni, in uncovering illegal Iranian gas supplies.
The Israeli Embassy in Rome declined to comment on the situation, while Eni confirmed hiring Equalize for assistance in various criminal and civil cases, asserting it was unaware of any unlawful activities by the company.
Italian politicians have voiced concern over the scandal. Ivan Scalfarotto, a senator from the Italia Viva party, noted that the involvement of foreign powers poses strategic risks for the country. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the incident “unacceptable,” emphasizing that the involvement of international actors in hacking attacks makes the case “even more serious.” At his direction, a task force will be established to protect the ministry and Italian embassies abroad.
The scandal may prompt investigations in other countries. Calamuzzi, who previously claimed involvement in Pentagon hacks alongside the group Anonymous, mentioned dozens of hackers working under him in Colchester, United Kingdom. Documents also reference the use of servers in the United States and Lithuania, where company specialists reportedly felt “more protected.” Italian prosecutors have issued a warrant to seize a server in Lithuania and are considering collaboration with British investigators.
Last week, four suspects under house arrest appeared in a Milan court and refused to answer questions. Attorneys for Carmine Gallo, one of Equalize’s partners, and Calamuzzi’s IT consultant stated that their clients are prepared to cooperate once they gain access to all case materials.
