Senior US soldier arrested by UK counter-terror police on suspicion of spying for Russia
· Forces NewsA senior US Army soldier who had been entrusted with sensitive information has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act relating to Russia.
The 41-year-old man was arrested near Gloucester as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, working with MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence, and the FBI and US military.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest related to "allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies".
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Assigned to Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
A senior Nato military official confirmed that the suspect was assigned to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Imjin Barracks near Gloucester.
He was arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 1 and Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023 and remains in custody at a London police station.
A Section 1 offence covers the unauthorised acquisition or dissemination of sensitive state information.
Section 3 relates to engaging in conduct that intentionally or recklessly assists a foreign intelligence service.
Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of their investigation.
US pulls military aircraft from UK
The arrest was made after the US removed aircraft from RAF Mildenhall amid an alleged threat from Iran.
The Wall Street Journal said several air-to-air refuelling tankers based at the airbase in Suffolk had been flown to Germany.
And in October, a suspected Iran-related terror incident near RAF Fairford prompted Washington to withdraw its B-1 bombers.
Sobering reminder of insider threats
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said: “I am grateful to the UK and the FBI for their professionalism and teamwork throughout this investigation.
"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
"I encourage anyone who thinks they’ve witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities.
"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.
"This activity demonstrates the strength of our UK and US law enforcement and national security partnerships, and I commend the work of all the teams involved.
"We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security."
The investigation is being led by officers from CTP London and enquiries continue.