Senior US Army soldier arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for Russia

The arrest was carried out in coordination with the U.S. military and the FBI, and police are currently searching two locations in the wider Gloucestershire area.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by officers from the Counter Terrorism Policing team in London.

Espionage allegations

The man was detained under the National Security Act 2023 and remains in custody at a London police station. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the allegations as "serious."

"We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security," Evans said in a statement.

The U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command emphasized that the alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.

"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon said in a statement.

FBI response

FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest serves as a reminder that the FBI will not tolerate service members who break their oath to the United States or its partners.

"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 in a statement.

He added that officials have made at least 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests under the current FBI leadership over the past 21 months, marking a 53% increase.

Patel expressed his thanks to UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence, and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their outstanding work.