Near Gloucester, American soldier arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia
Arrest near Gloucester
British authorities arrested the unnamed 41-year-old near Gloucester. The allegations concern possible assistance to a foreign intelligence service and the obtaining or disclosure of protected information. The two suspected offences fall under sections of the National Security Act 2023. Officials said the man was being held at a London police station, while searches took place at two sites in Gloucestershire, around 140km west of London.
Service with NATO unit
US Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, who leads the Army’s Counterintelligence Command, called the suspect a senior soldier. He did not reveal the man’s identity or provide additional details, and officials have not disclosed more about the investigation.
US and allied concerns
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as important and said the espionage allegations were of utmost concern to the United States and its allies. Authorities have not publicly outlined the evidence behind the suspicions.
Separately, the US Air Force pulled bombers used in strikes on Iran from RAF Fairford after a threat. This week, it also moved aircraft from RAF Mildenhall; The Wall Street Journal reported that the threat connected to that move was related to Iran.
Key points
- A 41-year-old US Army soldier was arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of espionage linked to Russia.
- The suspect served with NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Imjin Barracks.
- Officials have not named the man or provided further details about the case.
- US aircraft were moved from RAF Fairford and RAF Mildenhall following threats.