Germany Expels CIA Station Chief After Spying Scandals

[unhappycamper]

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/07/10-1

CIA Berlin chief told to leave after discovery of second suspected double agent

Germany Expels CIA Station Chief After Spying Scandals
- Nadia Prupis, staff writer
Published on Thursday, July 10, 2014 by Common Dreams

Following the discovery of two German intelligence agents possibly working as spies for the U.S., the German government on Thursday ordered the expulsion of a CIA station chief operating in Berlin.

"The representative of the U.S. intelligence services at the Embassy of the United States of America was asked to leave Germany," said government spokesperson Steffen Seibert.

In order for Germany to work closely with its Western partners, particularly the U.S., "mutual trust and openness are necessary," Seibert said.

A German intelligence officer was arrested last week on suspicion of spying for the U.S. after he admitted to passing information to CIA agents about a parliamentary investigation into the NSA's surveillance program in the country. The scandal grew on Wednesday, when a defense ministry employee was also accused of working as a double-agent for the U.S. Although the second suspect has not been arrested, prosecutors said his home and offices were searched.