US Army soldier arrested in UK on suspicion of espionage related to Russia

A 41-year-old United States Army soldier was arrested in the United Kingdom on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage related to Russia, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. The unnamed soldier was arrested by British counterterror police “working closely with US authorities, US Military and the FBI,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. He remains in custody at a London police station. “The 41-year-old man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday, 10 November,” the release said.

“He was arrested on suspicion of offenses under Section 1 and Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.” Section 1 of the act concerns handling “protected information,” and Section 3 concerns “assisting a foreign intelligence service.” “As part of the investigation officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire,” police said. “The country to which the allegations relate is Russia.” Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said in the release that the “senior soldier” in question was “entrusted with sensitive information.”

FBI Director Kash Patel was quoted in the release stating that the arrest “involves allegations of espionage.” “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,” Patel said. CNN has reached out to Russia’s embassies in Washington and London for comment. This is a developing story and will be updated.