U.S. Army soldier detained in Britain on suspicion of spying for Russia
A 41-year-old U.S. Army soldier was arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of violating the National Security Act and aiding Russian intelligence, British police said.
London's Metropolitan Police announced that a 41-year-old United States Army soldier was taken into custody on Tuesday near Gloucester on suspicion of offenses under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023, which cover handling protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. The arrest was carried out by British counter-terror police in coordination with U.S. authorities, the U.S. Military and the FBI, and the suspect remains detained at a London police station.
Police indicated that searches are underway at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation, which they said relates to Russia.
"The senior soldier was entrusted with sensitive information," said Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.
"This arrest involves allegations of espionage," said FBI Director Kash Patel, adding that the 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."
The investigation is ongoing.