Spain has deported two American embassy employees suspected of spying and bribing agents of the Center for National Intelligence (CNI) to obtain classified information. This was reported by El País.
As can be seen from the text, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles summoned US Ambassador Julissa Reynoso to obtain an explanation about the actions of diplomatic mission employees. Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albarez also contacted the US ambassador to express his concerns.
El Pais reported that at least two American employees have left Spain and two Spanish intelligence officials are under investigation for allegedly leaking classified information.
An internal investigation revealed that the agents gained unauthorized access to classified information. Additionally, the newspaper writes that a mid-level officer was hired by American spies to provide them with information in exchange for a large sum of money.
According to the newspaper’s sources, the US Ambassador assured that he was not aware of what was happening. According to him, the agents were acting as part of a program launched before Joe Biden became president.
Previously Britain accused China of recruiting officers for espionage.