A 41-year-old United States Army serviceman was arrested on Tuesday in the United Kingdom on suspicion of espionage linked to Russia, CNN reported.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicky Evans of the counterterrorism command described the arrest as significant
.
British counterterrorism police operated in close cooperation with American authorities, the U.S. armed forces, and the FBI. The suspect was detained near the town of Gloucester. British police stated that the arrest is not linked to other pending counterterrorism police investigations
.
Police booked the serviceman under sections 1 and 3 of the UK’s National Security Act 2023, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. Section 1 covers the handling of classified information, while section 3 relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Officers searched two addresses in Gloucestershire during the operation. The state specified in the allegations is Russia, the police stated. CNN sought comment from the Russian embassies in Washington and London.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said in a statement that the serviceman had access to classified data. Stinchon called the alleged behavior a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest and stated that the bureau will not tolerate anyone who violates their oath to the United States.
- Where is the suspect currently held?
- The 41-year-old remains in custody at a police station in London after being transported from the Gloucestershire area.
- When did the arrest take place?
- British counterterrorism officers carried out the detention on Tuesday, November 10, near Gloucester in western England.
- Which specific laws were invoked?
- Authorities detained the serviceman under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023, addressing protected information handling and foreign intelligence assistance.
Earlier coverage: US Servicemember Detained in UK on Suspicion of Assisting Russian Intelligence
Keep reading