A relationship formed through Tinder has caused concern within NATO’s security structures after a senior Spanish Navy officer became involved with a woman born in the former Soviet Union who was suspected of possibly having contacts with Russian intelligence.
Të lidhura
None found
According to the Telegraph, the officer had begun a relationship with Janina White, 49, a British and Polish citizen. White, who was born in the former Soviet Union, has been portrayed as a possible Kremlin agent, an accusation she categorically denies.
“I know for certain that I am not a Russian spy. At least the last time I checked, I wasn’t,” she told the British newspaper, stating that she had been prejudged and treated unfairly because of her place of birth.
The case was considered particularly sensitive because of the position held by the officer. He was part of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, MARCOM, based in Northwood, Hertfordshire, an important Alliance centre for maritime operations and intelligence-sharing.
Among his responsibilities were tracking Russian submarines and warships, as well as tankers linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet”, which is used to evade Western sanctions.
The relationship between the officer and White began in October 2024, after they met on Tinder. On December 12, just two months later, the officer invited her to a social event at the Northwood base.
Court documents cited by the Telegraph show that White was issued a one-day pass to enter as an escorted visitor. However, suspicions surrounding her prompted an immediate response from the security authorities.
The officer’s access to the base was revoked, and he was not allowed to return to the Northwood premises while the investigation was under way. At the same time, two separate vetting processes were launched, one by NATO and the other by the Spanish authorities.
A court document cited by the British newspaper states that, as a result of these procedures, Spain suspended the officer’s national security clearance. The same document says that the British authorities did not take part in the specific investigation.
The officer later left Northwood and returned to Spain in 2025.
White, who lives in Romford, east London, continues to deny any links to the Russian services. According to her, the suspicions were raised mainly because she was born in the Soviet Union.
“I knew they were dealing with the Russian shadow fleet and submarines. But there was a complete ban on discussing any details on site,” she said, referring to her partner’s work.
White has also confirmed that her relationship with the Spanish officer has now ended.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the strict security checks at Northwood, where important British and NATO structures operate. What began as a Tinder match ended with an international security investigation and the removal of the officer’s access to one of NATO’s most sensitive military facilities in Europe.
