US soldier arrested in England on suspicion of spying for Russia

Counter Terrorism Policing detained the 41-year-old near Gloucester on 10 November under the National Security Act 2023, with police and the FBI working together on the case.

British police arrested a 41-year-old US Army soldier near Gloucester on 10 November on suspicion of spying for Russia. Counter Terrorism Policing suspects him of collecting secret information and working for a foreign intelligence service, offences under the National Security Act 2023. The Metropolitan Police said it is working closely with US authorities, the US Military and the FBI. Police said the case is not linked to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigations.

The soldier worked at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, according to the BBC. The barracks serve as the headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation. The man remains in custody at a London police station, detained under the National Security Act. The investigation is led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Senior officials on both sides treated the arrest as a serious espionage matter. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the arrest as "significant". The investigation is ongoing. FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement that the arrest involves allegations of espionage. He called this of the utmost concern to the United States and its allies.

Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, said the alleged conduct is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent. He encouraged anyone who has seen something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office. A source familiar with the situation told ABC News the soldier may face charges from both British authorities and the US Army. The specific charges are unclear, but espionage charges in US military courts can carry sentences up to life imprisonment.

The soldier's name is expected to be released in the coming days, after British authorities formally charge him. Police have not disclosed the man's identity since the arrest. The National Security Act 2023 lets police hold him without charge for up to 14 days.