Senior US soldier arrested by UK counter-terror police
British counter-terrorism police arrest 41-year-old near Gloucester under National Security Act
Quick Look
- British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 41-year-old senior US Army soldier near Gloucester on suspicion of National Security Act offences related to Russia, with the FBI describing the case as espionage.
- Searches are underway at two Gloucestershire locations as UK and US authorities investigate.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
British counter-terrorism police arrested a 41-year-old senior US Army soldier near Gloucester on Tuesday on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act. The allegations relate to Russia, and the FBI has described the arrest as involving allegations of espionage. Searches are being carried out at two locations in Gloucestershire.
A senior soldier in the US Army has been arrested by British counter-terrorism police.
The 41-year-old man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan Police said.
The force said the allegations related to Russia. The FBI said the arrest involves allegations of espionage.
As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.
Counter-terrorism police in the UK is working closely with the US military and the FBI.
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."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as "significant".
"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing," she said.
Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said: "The alleged conduct of a senior solider, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
"I encourage anyone who thinks they've witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office."
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The soldier will be formally charged under the National Security Act
Likely · Within days
Further details will be published as the breaking news story is updated
Very likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- What specific espionage activities is the soldier alleged to have committed?
- What information or materials were found during searches at the two Gloucestershire locations?
- When will the soldier appear in court or face charges?
- What is the soldier's rank and specific role in the US Army?
