US soldier arrested in UK on Russian espionage allegations
A member of the US Army has been arrested in near Gloucester in England. Police said he was suspected of espionage activity in connection with Russia. Investigators from the US and UK are involved in the probe.
A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday in England, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement .
Authorities were searched two locations in the Gloucestershire region, police said, adding: "The country to which the allegations pertain is Russia."
US authorities, the US Military and the FBI were closely involved in the investigation, police said.
The man was in custody at a London police station, authorities said on Tuesday evening as the news emerged.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing called it a "significant arrest" as a result of "close collaboration between UK and US authorities."
"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing," Evans said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the case was of "utmost concern" to the US and its allies.
"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. He also expressed thanks to UK investigators across various branches and the US Military Counterintelligence Command "for their outstanding work."
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command also said the case demonstrated the "resolve of the counterintelligence community."
"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," Stinchon said.
