Senior U.S. Army Soldier Arrested in England on Suspicion of Aiding Russian Intelligence
British police detained a 41-year-old U.S. Army member near Gloucester on suspicion of violating the National Security Act by assisting Russian intelligence, with the investigation ongoing.
A senior U.S. Army soldier was taken into custody near Gloucester, England, on suspicion of offenses under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act, which cover the obtaining or disclosure of protected information and assistance to a foreign intelligence service. The arrest was made as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation, and the suspect remains held at a London police station.
British authorities said the allegations relate to Russia. Three sources familiar with the case told NBC News that the soldier was stationed at NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps headquarters at Imjin Barracks on the outskirts of Gloucester, a detail confirmed by a senior NATO official.
"We can confirm that the American service member arrested by British police was assigned to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC)," the NATO official said.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as "important" and emphasized that it involves espionage allegations of "utmost concern" to the United States and its allies.
"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," Patel added.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the case highlights the reality of insider threats and praised the cooperation between U.K. authorities and the FBI.
"This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the resolve of the counterintelligence community," Stinchon said.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the U.K.’s senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, called the allegations "very serious" and noted that the investigation is ongoing and not linked to other counterterrorism operations.
The arrest occurs amid heightened concerns about hostile state activities in the U.K., with security services warning that Russia and Iran have used proxies to conduct crimes on British soil. Recent reports indicated that several U.S. military aircraft, including air refueling tankers and Osprey transports, departed RAF Mildenhall following an increased security posture.