US soldier arrested in UK on suspicion of spying for Russia
A US Army service member with access to sensitive information has been arrested on suspicion of working with a foreign intelligence service.
British counterterrorism police announced the arrest, Censor.NET reports.
Case details
The 41-year-old US soldier was arrested near Gloucester on November 10. He is suspected of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, head of US Army Counterintelligence Command, confirmed that the suspect had access to sensitive information but did not specify what kind.
"The alleged actions of a service member entrusted with sensitive information are a reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," he said.
FBI response
FBI Director Kash Patel called the case a serious threat to the security of the United States and its allies.
"As the investigation continues, I want to be clear. The FBI will not tolerate the actions of anyone who violates their oath of allegiance to the United States and puts our national security and that of our partners at risk," Patel said.
- He said the FBI had made 167 arrests in espionage and counterintelligence cases over the past 21 months, up 53% from the comparable period.
British counterterrorism police, the FBI, MI5, UK military counterintelligence and US Army Counterintelligence Command are taking part in the investigation.
As part of the investigation, police are searching two addresses in Gloucestershire. The allegations concern Russia. The suspect is being held in London.
Authorities have yet to say what military information the suspect may have obtained or whether he passed it to Russia. They have also withheld his identity.
