According to a report in El Pais, the US quietly removed two embassy staff members at the request of the Spanish government. This came after allegations that the workers had attempted to bribe Spanish intelligence officers for secrets. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that although Spain had filed a complaint to the US, the incident would not affect the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The content of the information shared with the embassy workers is not clear, and a judicial inquiry is looking into the matter. Additionally, a CNI chief of area and his assistant were arrested two months ago, their case being kept under wraps by a court order. The US Ambassador to Spain, Julissa Reynoso, denied any knowledge or involvement, as did US national security adviser Jake Sullivan when asked about the incident. Both the US embassy in Madrid and Spain’s foreign ministry have declined to comment on the events.