LONDON, United Kingdom- A 41-year-old member of the United States Army has been arrested near Gloucester, England, as British counter-terrorism police investigate suspected espionage offences linked to Russia.
The man, whose name and rank have not been released, was arrested on Tuesday, November 10, under the UK’s National Security Act 2023.
He remained in custody at a London police station as officers searched two locations in Gloucestershire, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
British investigators said the arrest relates to suspected offences under Sections 1 and 3 of the Act, which cover the obtaining or disclosure of protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Police said the country connected to the allegations is Russia, but did not disclose the nature of the information allegedly involved, whether any material was transferred, or the identity of any alleged foreign contact.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London in cooperation with US authorities, the US military and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
What the suspected offences involve
Section 1 of the UK’s National Security Act applies to the obtaining, copying, retaining or disclosure of protected information where the conduct is considered prejudicial to Britain’s safety or interests and connected to a foreign power.
The law defines protected information as material whose access is restricted, or would reasonably be expected to be restricted, for national-security reasons.
A conviction under Section 1 can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Section 3 deals with conduct intended to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities. The legislation includes providing access to information, goods, services or financial benefits among conduct that could fall within the offence.
The arrest does not mean the soldier has been charged or found guilty. British authorities said enquiries were continuing and no formal charges had been announced at the time of publication.
US and UK agencies cite serious security concerns
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as significant and said it resulted from close coordination between British and American authorities.
“The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing,” Evans said, adding that the case demonstrated the strength of the UK-US law-enforcement and national-security partnership.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest involved allegations of espionage that were of “utmost concern” to the United States and its allies.
“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.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the case as a reminder of the risks posed by insider threats.
“The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent,” Stinchon said.
Possible NATO connection
Officials have not publicly identified the soldier’s unit.
However, the Associated Press reported that he was assigned to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, a British-led formation based near Gloucester.
The Metropolitan Police and US Army have not publicly detailed the alleged information at the centre of the inquiry, the suspected method of contact or whether any classified material reached a foreign intelligence service.
Police have also stressed that the arrest is not connected to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigations.
The case places renewed focus on security screening and counterintelligence safeguards around military personnel with access to sensitive information.
