US Army soldier suspected of spying for Russia arrested in UK
Counter Terrorism Policing London says the 41-year-old senior serviceman was arrested under sections one and three of the National Security Act 2023.
Quick Look
- A 41-year-old US Army senior serviceman has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of spying for Russia under sections one and three of the National Security Act 2023.
- The soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
- FBI director Kash Patel called the arrest of utmost concern.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The soldier was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday under section one and section three of the National Security Act 2023. Section one relates to obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section three relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. Searches are being carried out at two locations in Gloucestershire.
A soldier in the US Army has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, British counter-terror police have said.
The 41-year-old senior serviceman was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday.
Counter Terrorism Policing London said the man had been 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.
As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.
The BBC understands the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire. The barracks serve as the headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), a strategic operational base for the alliance.
Counter Terrorism Policing said it was not linked to any other ongoing investigations.
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."
He 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."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The investigation will continue with further searches and potential charges under the National Security Act 2023.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific information is alleged to have been obtained or disclosed?
- How long is the suspected espionage activity believed to have lasted?
- What evidence links the soldier to Russian intelligence services?
