US Army soldier arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for Russia
A 41-year-old senior serviceman was detained near Gloucester as part of a counter-terrorism investigation.
British counter-terrorism police arrested a senior US Army soldier on Tuesday on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to WION and BBC News. The 41-year-old man was apprehended near Gloucester and is currently being held at a police station in London.
The soldier is suspected of violating sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023, which involve obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. Officers are conducting searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing investigation.
The serviceman was reportedly based at the Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters for NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC). Counter Terrorism Policing stated that the arrest is not linked to any other ongoing investigations.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest involves allegations of espionage that are of the utmost concern to the United States and its allies. He added that the FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath and endangers national security.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing London described the arrest as significant, noting that the investigation is ongoing. Under the National Security Act 2023, police can hold the suspect without charge for up to 14 days.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said the alleged conduct is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent. He encouraged anyone witnessing suspicious activity to report it to local counterintelligence offices.
