Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Join todayAlready a member? Log in
A soldier in the US Army has been arrested by British counter-terror police in the UK on suspicion of spying for Russia.
The man, aged 41, was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday following an investigation involving US authorities, US military and the FBI. He remains in custody at a London police station, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London said.
The senior serviceman, who has not been named, was detained on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023. Allegations are in relation to section 1 of the act - obtaining or disclosing protected information, and section 3 - assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Officers are also carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation, which is not linked to any other ongoing probes.
Police confirmed to the soldier had been serving at Imjin Barracks at Innsworth in Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters of Nato’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for CTP, 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."
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."