A 41-year-old senior US Army soldier was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday on suspicion of offenses under the National Security Act 2023, with allegations relating to Russia.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
A 41-year-old United States Army soldier has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of spying for Russia, British counter-terror police have said.
The man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday, 10 November, as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing. He remains in custody at a London police station.
The soldier was arrested under section one and section three of the National Security Act 2023. Section one relates to obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section three relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. British authorities said the country to which the allegations relate is Russia.
Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation.
The soldier is a senior serviceman based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. A US official described the soldier as a field grade Army officer, a mid- to senior-ranking officer including the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement: "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."
Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of 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."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the arrest as "significant" and said: "The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing."
Counter Terrorism Policing said the arrest was not linked to any other ongoing investigations.
The case involves a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information at a NATO headquarters, highlighting what US Army Counterintelligence Command describes as real and persistent insider threats.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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