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amy walker
British anti-terrorism police announced on the 10th that they had arrested a US Army soldier on suspicion of spying for Russia.
The 41-year-old senior soldier was arrested on the same day near Gloucester in southwest England.
The Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Security Unit said the man had been arrested under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Article 1 of the Act concerns the acquisition or disclosure of protected information. Article 3 concerns cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.
As part of the investigation, police are searching two locations in Gloucestershire.
According to information obtained by the BBC, the soldier was stationed at Imdin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire. This barracks is the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Allied Rapid Response Command (ARRC) and serves as NATO's strategic operations base.
Anti-terrorism police said the incident was not connected to any other ongoing investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement: "These important arrests involve espionage charges and are of grave concern to the United States and our allies."
"While this investigation is ongoing, we want to send a clear message: The FBI has zero tolerance for those who violate their oath to America and take actions that endanger the national security of America and our allies."
British Counter-Terrorism Police Deputy Superintendent Vicky Evans described the arrest as a "significant event" and said: "The charges are serious and the investigation is ongoing."
The soldier, whose name has not been released, is currently being held at a London police station.
The soldier is being held under the National Security Act 2023, which allows police to hold him for up to 14 days without charging him.
"The alleged actions of a senior soldier entrusted with classified intelligence are yet another reminder that the threat from within is real and persistent," said Brigadier General Sean Stinchon of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.
"If you see anything suspicious, please report it to your local counterintelligence office," the commander added.
(Additional interview: Daniel Sandford, UK domestic editor)
(English article: US Army soldier suspected of spying for Russia arrested in UK)
