US soldier arrested in UK on suspicion of espionage linked to Russia

A senior soldier in the US Army has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023 which relate to Russia, British counter-terror police have said.

The 41-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday. Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.

The soldier was arrested under section one and section three of the National Security Act 2023. Section one of the Act relates to obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section three relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The BBC understands the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire. The barracks serve as a headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

The soldier is currently in custody at a London police station. He has been detained under the National Security Act 2023, allowing police to hold him, without charge, for up to 14 days.

Official statements

Counter Terrorism Policing London said the arrest was significant. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said: "The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing."

FBI Director Kash Patel said: "This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies."

Patel 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."

Brigadier General 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."

Stinchon added: "I encourage anyone who thinks they've witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office."

Why it matters

The arrest involves a senior US soldier entrusted with sensitive information and is being investigated by both UK and US authorities, including the FBI and US Army Counterintelligence Command.

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Sources

• dw.com: US soldier arrested in UK on Russian espionage allegations
• bbc.com: Senior US soldier arrested by UK counter-terror police

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.