US soldier suspected of spying for Russia arrested by British counter-terror police

A member of the US Army has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023 which relate to Russia, Counter Terrorism Policing London said.

The man, aged 41, was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing, working closely with US authorities, US Military and the FBI. He remains in custody at a London police station as enquiries continue.

Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation. The investigation is not linked to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigations.

The man has been detained under the sections one and two of the National Security Act 2023, which respectively covers obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said that UK and US law enforcement and national security services were working together on the “serious” investigation.

“This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities,” she said.

“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."

FBI director Kash Patel said his agency had no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States.

“This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies,” he said.

“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 US army counterintelligence command for their outstanding work.”

Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US army counterintelligence command, said: “This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the resolve of the counterintelligence community. I am grateful to the UK and the FBI for their professionalism and teamwork throughout this investigation.

“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."

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