US Army soldier arrested in England on suspicion of Russia-linked espionage
The 41-year-old suspect was detained near Gloucester for allegedly assisting a foreign intelligence service.
A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested in England on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage related to Russia, according to the Hindustan Times.
The individual was apprehended near Gloucester on suspicion of violating two sections of the National Security Act 2023. The charges involve assisting a foreign intelligence service and the obtaining or disclosure of protected information.
Counterterrorism police in London stated that the arrest resulted from close collaboration between UK authorities, the FBI, and the US military. Officers are currently conducting searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as an important development involving espionage allegations that are of extreme concern to the United States and its allies. He stated that the FBI has no tolerance for individuals who break their oath and endanger national security.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, said the case serves as a reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
He noted the alleged conduct involves a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information.
The suspect remains in custody at a London police station. Police clarified that this investigation is not connected to other ongoing counterterrorism inquiries, including a suspected terror plot linked to Iran at RAF Fairford in September.
