Spanish naval officer expelled from London base after security alert over Tinder romance
A senior Spanish navy officer stationed at the Northwood NATO base was removed after a security alert triggered by his relationship with Janina White, who is suspected of Russian ties.
A high-ranking Spanish navy officer serving at the Allied Maritime Command in Northwood was barred from the facility after a security alert linked to his relationship with Janina White, a 49-year-old British-Polish dual national born in Soviet Russia. The officer had introduced White to the base on 12 December 2024, obtaining a one-day visitor pass under escort. Following the alert, NATO suspended his duties and withdrew his access badge, and he was escorted out of the installation in June 2025.
Parallel security inquiries were opened by NATO and Spain, with the United Kingdom not participating. White has denied being a Russian spy, alleging that the accusations stem from discrimination over her Russian origin, and she has not been arrested. The officer returned to Spain later in 2025 and has expressed that the episode severely impacted his family and career.
Why it matters
The case highlights how personal relationships can trigger security concerns within NATO installations and affect international military personnel.
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