The Dutch domestic security service AIVD has confirmed a newspaper report that it has withdrawn the security clearance of a Dutch NATO employee. An investigation by the AIVD revealed that the senior official was "vulnerable" and possibly open to blackmail.

Since he no longer had clearance to work in a sensitive post, he was removed from office and recalled from the United States. He worked at NATO's Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia. The command is charged with the modernisation of the 28-nation alliance.

The official has appealed against the AIVD's decision.

The secret service is responsible for screening people and issuing clearance for employment in sensitive positions. It emphasizes that this does not reflect on the person's ability to perform his duties.