Confidence in the United States has taken a “significant dent” as a result of the leak, Swillens said on the Buitenhof TV show. The United States is an important partner for the Netherlands “and we often receive very valuable information from the United States”.
In mid-April, a 21-year-old American was arrested as part of the investigation into the disclosure of state secrets. Swillens agrees that the FBI has given “priority one” to the pursuit of the leak.
Own procedures
Following the leak, the MIVD reviewed its procedures, personnel screening and information security.
It is not the first nor the last time that secret information has been leaked, the director of MIVD knows. “You know you can never give a 100% guarantee.”