A 41-year-old US Army soldier has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of collaborating with Russian intelligence and illegally obtaining classified information. The man was detained on 10 November near the city of Gloucester. The investigation is being conducted jointly by British law enforcement agencies, the FBI and US military counter-intelligence.
- A 41-year-old US serviceman has been arrested in Britain on suspicion of espionage.
- Investigators are looking into the possible passing of classified information to the Russian security services.
- Law enforcement officers are carrying out searches at two addresses in Gloucestershire.
- The FBI, MI5 and US military counter-intelligence have joined the investigation.
An American soldier has been detained near Gloucester
British law enforcement officers arrested a 41-year-old US Army soldier on Tuesday, 10 November. He is suspected of breaching two provisions of the UK National Security Act 2023.
The first charge relates to the unlawful obtaining or disclosure of classified information; the second to aiding a foreign intelligence service. The British police have officially confirmed that the investigation is linked to Russia.
According to US media reports, the detainee was stationed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, where the headquarters of the Joint Rapid Reaction Corps is located NATO. This unit is responsible for planning and coordinating Alliance forces’ operations.
The soldier’s name and exact rank have not been officially disclosed. Following his arrest, the man was taken to a police station in London, where he remains in custody. Investigators are also carrying out searches at two addresses in Gloucestershire.
The FBI has stated that there is a serious threat to national security
Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation Kesh Patel described the arrest as a significant achievement resulting from cooperation between the American and British intelligence services.
According to him, suspicions of espionage are causing extreme concern in the United States and amongst its allies. Patel emphasised that the FBI would not tolerate any actions that jeopardise US national security.
FBI Director He also reported that, over the past 21 months, the bureau had carried out 167 arrests in cases relating to counter-intelligence and espionage. According to his figures, this represents a 53 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
US military counter-intelligence has warned of internal threats
Commander of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, Brigadier General Sean Stinchon stated that the case highlights the importance of cooperation between the two countries’ security services.
He specifically highlighted the risks associated with military personnel who have access to sensitive information. According to the general, suspicions regarding the actions of such personnel serve as a reminder of the constant threat posed by individuals within the defence structures.
The investigation involves the British counter-terrorism police, the domestic security service MI5, the FBI and US military counter-intelligence.
Law enforcement agencies have not yet disclosed exactly what information the suspect may have obtained, whether he passed on any material to the Russian side, or whether there were other individuals involved in the alleged espionage activities.
