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German Officials’ Mobile Numbers Found on Data-Broker Sites as BSI and BKA Probe Exposure

Authorities are examining whether the listings come from lawful sales‑intelligence scraping rather than a criminal breach.

Overview

  • Germany’s cyber agency confirmed that the mobile number of its president, Claudia Plattner, found on a platform is correct and still active.
  • Listings reportedly include Chancellor Friedrich Merz, ministers Karsten Wildberger and Verena Hubertz, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, CDU figure Jens Spahn, agency heads and senior military officers.
  • The BSI says it is working with the Federal Criminal Police Office, ministries and affected individuals while intensively evaluating next steps, including possible number changes.
  • Officials say there is no confirmed misuse so far, but they warn of elevated risks such as targeted phishing and identity theft.
  • An IT consultant in Italy alerted authorities after using commercial tools that aggregate public sources, with outlets withholding platform names as data-protection officials press for stricter rules on data brokers.