US soldier arrested in UK over suspected espionage linked to Russia
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
A 41-year-old member of the United States Army has been arrested in the United Kingdom over suspected national security offences in an investigation linked to Russia.
The man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday, November 10, by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing working in collaboration with US authorities, the US military and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to a statement by UK Counter Terrorism Policing, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of offences under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
Police have also commenced searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation, which is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London.
The suspect remains in custody at a London police station, while investigations continue.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as the outcome of close cooperation between British and American security agencies.
She said the allegations were serious and stressed that the investigation was ongoing, adding that the operation demonstrated the strength of security and law enforcement partnerships between the two countries.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the case involved allegations of espionage, describing the matter as a major concern for the United States and its allies.
Although he did not disclose further details of the alleged activities, Patel warned that the FBI would not tolerate anyone accused of betraying their oath to the United States or endangering national security.
He also said the FBI had made 167 counterintelligence and espionage-related arrests in the previous 21 months, representing a 53 per cent increase.
Patel commended UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence and the US Army Counterintelligence Command for their roles in the investigation.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the case as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by insider risks within security institutions.
He said the alleged conduct of a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information underscored the importance of vigilance and cooperation among counterintelligence agencies.
Stinchon thanked British authorities and the FBI for their professionalism and urged anyone who noticed suspicious activities to report them to their local counterintelligence office.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation was not connected to any other ongoing counterterrorism investigations.