Robles downplayed the repercussions of the case on Spanish-American (European) relations
Spanish newspaper El Pais said on Thursday that Madrid had expelled at least two members of the US embassy staff on charges of bribing two Spanish intelligence officers in exchange for secret information.
The two officers of Spain's intelligence agency CNI, a district chief and his assistant, were arrested two months ago and a court ordered their case kept secret, citing unidentified government sources that there may be more than two U.S. "spies" in the incident.
El Pais said U.S. embassy staff withdrew "quietly" in response to Madrid's request after investigations found that two Spanish intelligence officers had provided them with classified information in exchange for a "huge sum of money."
There has been no official confirmation from the Spanish and U.S. governments, but ministers in Pedro Sanchez's government have confirmed the incident.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said an investigation was underway within Spain's intelligence agency and played down the impact of the case on relations between her country and the United States, two NATO members.
El Pais said Madrid had summoned U.S. Ambassador Julesa Renoso, who said she was unaware of the incident and apologized.
The Spanish website "El Covidencial" published a report on the arrest of two Spanish intelligence officers on charges of passing classified information to Washington, and ministers in the Spanish government confirmed last Monday what was stated in the report.
According to El País, the two Spanish intelligence officers raised suspicions for having access to information outside their area of responsibility. The newspaper said they were recruited by two spies operating from the US embassy and have since been expelled.
Source: Agencies