US Army Soldier Arrested in UK on Suspicion of Russia-Linked Espionage

A 41-year-old US Army soldier was arrested near Gloucester, England, on suspicion of espionage related to Russia, Britain’s counterterrorism police said Tuesday.

The man was apprehended under the National Security Act 2023, a law designed to counter espionage and foreign interference. British officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire in connection with the investigation.

The arrest came as a result of collaboration between British and US authorities. The soldier remains in custody at a police station in London.

"This activity demonstrates the strength of our UK and US law enforcement and national security partnerships, and I commend the work of all the teams involved," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said in a statement. "We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security."

FBI Director Kash Patel said espionage "is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies" as Russia’s war with Ukraine persists. 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."

Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon said, "The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent." He encouraged anyone who thinks they have witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.

The US military declined to comment further. "We are aware of these reports and won’t comment on an ongoing investigation," Terry Welch, a spokesperson for US Army Europe and Africa, told the Washington Examiner.

The Metropolitan Police said the Russian espionage investigation is not linked to any other Counter Terrorism Policing investigations. The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.

In September, there was a suspected terrorist plot linked to Iran that would have targeted a Royal Air Force base in Gloucestershire if the plan was not foiled. RAF Fairford was used by the US Air Force for its strikes on Iran. Following the threat, the US military withdrew its bombers from the air base. Based on the Metropolitan Police’s statement, the detained US soldier appears not to be involved in the suspected terrorist plot.

Three suspected Iran-backed operatives who allegedly plotted the attack were charged in the United States in an unsealed federal indictment on Tuesday.

As of now, the Russian side has not responded.

Sources

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