Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused pressure groups of orchestrating a plot to undermine democracy, following revelations that a bank employee accessed hundreds of private accounts belonging to high-ranking officials and celebrities.

The controversy centers on Vincenzo Coviello, a 52-year-old clerk at Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, who allegedly gained unauthorized access to over 3,500 accounts, breaching privacy laws and posing a threat to national security. Coviello claimed his actions stemmed from “curiosity” and career frustration, asserting he did not document or share the sensitive information he accessed.

Meloni has escalated the situation into a national scandal, suggesting that Coviello’s actions were part of a larger scheme to remove her from power.

What Happened? Coviello reportedly began his illicit activities in February 2022, illegally accessing clients’ accounts nearly 7,000 times. Among his targets were Meloni and key members of her administration, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Senate President Ignazio La Russa.

What Information Was Accessed? Coviello’s position allowed him to view detailed information on clients’ transactions, which could be exploited for personal gain or blackmail. Investigators are exploring whether this information was sold or disseminated through illicit channels.

Is There a Police Investigation? Authorities in Bari have launched an investigation, suspecting Coviello may have had accomplices. He was fired in August after the bank uncovered his activities, and his finances are currently under scrutiny.

Meloni’s Claims Meloni contends that the snooping represents an attempt to destabilize her government, but no evidence has substantiated this claim. She has pointed out that most affected politicians are from her political camp, although reports indicate that Coviello’s inquiries were random and not politically motivated.

This incident is not the first time Meloni has suggested a conspiracy against her administration; earlier this year, unauthorized access to sensitive files involving her and her government members raised alarms about potential threats to democracy.