A senior military officer serving in the United States Army has been detained on suspicion of espionage for Russia. The alleged incident took place near Gloucester, England, on Tuesday, according to British counter-terror police. The officer is being held under the National Security Act 2023 at a London police station and can be kept in custody without charge for up to two weeks.
The arrest occurred under sections one and three of the National Security Act 2023, which pertain to obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service, respectively. The soldier is reportedly based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which serves as the headquarters for NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC).
Authorities have stated that the arrest is not connected to any other ongoing investigations. FBI Director Kash Patel expressed concern over the allegations and emphasized that such acts endanger national security. He also affirmed the FBI's intolerance for individuals who betray their oath to the United States.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans from Counter Terrorism Policing London described the arrest as significant, noting that the investigation is ongoing. Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, encouraged anyone with suspicions to report them to their local counterintelligence office.