Senior US Army soldier, 41, is arrested in the UK 'after offering to spy for Russia'
By REBECCA CAMBER, CRIME AND SECURITY EDITOR and KATHERINE LAWTON, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
A senior US soldier has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia in a major joint MI5, FBI and counter terrorism police operation.
The 41-year-old man detained near Gloucester - approximately 90 miles west of London - is accused of offering to spy for Moscow after being 'entrusted with sensitive information'.
In an indication of the seriousness of the threat, the head of the FBI, the Commanding General of US Army Counterintelligence Command and the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing released a press release describing the arrest as a 'significant' joint operation.
On Tuesday, the unnamed US army soldier was being quizzed in custody while counter terrorism officers searched two locations in Gloucestershire.
The BBC reported the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire. The barracks are understood to serve as the headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC).
The soldier has been arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 1 and Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
The 41-year-old man detained near Gloucester - approximately 90 miles west of London - is accused of offering to spy for Moscow after being 'entrusted with sensitive information' (stock photo)
Sources said the arrest was not related to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which was the subject of an alleged Iranian plot in September.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: 'This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities. The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.
'This activity demonstrates the strength of our UK and US law enforcement and national security partnerships, and I commend the work of all the teams involved.
'We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security.'
The investigation is not linked to any other counter terrorism police investigation in the UK.
FBI Director Kash Patel said: 'This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies. 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.
'This includes 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests from this FBI over the last 21 months – a 53 per cent increase.
'This matter shows that partnerships are essential to protect our countries and I want to express my thanks to UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence, and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their outstanding work.'
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