LONDON, — British counterterrorism police have arrested a 41-year-old U.S. Army soldier near Gloucester, southwest England, on suspicion of espionage offences linked to Russia. The arrest took place on November 10 under the U.K.'s National Security Act 2023.
The unnamed serviceman was stationed at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC). Police searched two properties in the area following his arrest. He remains in custody at a London police station.
Charges Under National Security Act
The soldier was arrested under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Section 1 covers obtaining or disclosing protected information, while Section 3 criminalises assisting a foreign intelligence service. Police confirmed that the allegations relate to Russia.
Under the Act, police can detain a suspect for up to 14 days without charge. His name and exact military rank have not been released, although officials have described him as a senior serviceman with access to sensitive information.
Joint U.S.-U.K. Investigation
The investigation is being led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, with support from the FBI, U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command and Britain's MI5.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the arrest followed close cooperation between British and American authorities. She described the allegations as serious and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Police also stated that the case is not connected to other ongoing counterterrorism investigations.
U.S. Army Counterintelligence Commanding General Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon said the alleged conduct involved a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information. He highlighted the continuing risk of insider threats and urged military personnel to report suspicious activities.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency has no tolerance for individuals who break their oath and endanger U.S. national security or that of its partners. He also cited 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the previous 21 months, a reported increase of 53%.
The arrest comes amid growing Western concerns about Russian intelligence activities and threats to military infrastructure. MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum has previously described Russia as Britain's "aggressor number one" and warned that countering foreign intelligence activities requires long-term security planning.
The Kremlin has denied involvement in the case. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had "absolutely nothing to do with this."
Authorities have not disclosed what classified information the soldier allegedly attempted to obtain or share. The allegations have not been proven in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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