The CNI Withdraws Access to Classified Information from a Navy Sergeant for Concealing His Marriage to a Russian Citizen

The National Intelligence Center (CNI) has revoked the authorization to access classified information from a Navy sergeant stationed on the submarine S-71 "Galerna," after discovering that he had concealed his marriage to a Russian citizen and had also obtained Russian nationality without reporting it.

The military officer, a specialist in electronic warfare, had access to classified documents of Confidential level, as well as sensitive information from NATO and the European Union. During a periodic security review, the CNI concluded that there were risks that could compromise the protection of that information.

According to the investigation, the non-commissioned officer did not inform the National Security Office that he had married a Russian citizen or that he had acquired Russian nationality, facts he was obligated to report to maintain his security clearance.

Furthermore, during the investigation, he stated that in the event of a hypothetical armed conflict between Spain and Russia, he would request not to participate in operations against the latter country. A significant exposure on social media was also detected, where he openly displayed his status as a Spanish military member.

The CNI considered that these facts reflected a lack of transparency, discretion, reliability, and loyalty, in addition to increasing the risk that he could become a target of Russian intelligence services due to his position on a Navy submarine.

As a consequence, in February 2025, the CNI decided to revoke his Personal Security Clearance (HPS), the permit that allows access to classified information. Without this authorization, the military cannot perform certain assignments within the Armed Forces.

The sergeant appealed the decision in court, but both the Central Administrative Court and the National Court have supported the CNI's actions. However, the military has announced that he will file an appeal with the Supreme Court to try to regain his clearance.

Photo: Navy