A 41-year-old senior US Army soldier has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of spying for Russia, British counter-terrorism police have said.
The serviceman was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London under sections one and three of the National Security Act 2023.
Section one of the law covers the obtaining or disclosure of protected information, while section three addresses activities involving assistance to a foreign intelligence service.
Police said searches were being conducted at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing investigation.
The BBC reported that the soldier was stationed at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which houses the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Counter Terrorism Policing London said the arrest was not connected to any other ongoing investigations.
The unnamed soldier is being held at a police station in London.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as significant, saying, “This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”
He added, “While this investigation is continuing, I want to send a clear message – this FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger our national security and that of our partners.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing London also described the arrest as “significant”, noting that the allegations were serious and the investigation remained ongoing.
The soldier has been detained under the National Security Act 2023, which permits police to hold suspects for up to 14 days without charge.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, said, “The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they’ve witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.”
