Near Gloucester, U.S. soldier arrested in britain accused of espionage linked to russia
Arrest near Gloucester
The unnamed soldier was taken into custody Tuesday in England, according to counterterrorism police. Investigators suspect violations involving support for a foreign intelligence service and the acquisition or release of protected information under the National Security Act 2023.
The Metropolitan Police said its counterterrorism teams coordinated with the FBI and the U.S. military. Police did not identify the arrested person.
FBI director responds
FBI Director Kash Patel described the detention as an important arrest, citing allegations he said were deeply concerning to the United States and its allies. He said the bureau would not tolerate breaches of an oath that put U.S. or partner security at risk.
Authorities were searching two locations in Gloucestershire, roughly 90 miles (140 kilometers) west of London. The article did not report any charges or court proceedings.
Separate from earlier inquiry
Police said this arrest was unconnected to other counterterrorism investigations. That statement indicated the case was not tied to a suspected Iran-linked plot reported in September at RAF Fairford, a U.S.-operated base near Gloucester.
Following that threat, the U.S. Air Force removed bombers from RAF Fairford. Those aircraft had been used in strikes against Iran during the Middle East conflict.
Key points
- A 41-year-old U.S. Army member was arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of Russia-related espionage.
- The investigation cites two sections of the National Security Act 2023.
- British counterterrorism police worked with the FBI and U.S. military.
- Police said the arrest was separate from an earlier suspected plot linked to Iran.