UK police arrest US soldier, 41, on suspicion of spying for Russia

The Metropolitan Police said a 41-year-old US Army soldier was arrested near Gloucester, England, on 10 November on suspicion of espionage offenses connected to Russia. He was being held at a London police station that evening. Police said searches were taking place at two locations in Gloucestershire.

The arrest was on suspicion of offenses under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act, which concern obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service, police said. Reuters said police described the suspicion as assisting Russian intelligence.

British and US authorities investigate

US authorities, the US military and the FBI were closely involved in the investigation, police said. Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, called the arrest significant, said it followed close UK-US collaboration and that the allegations were serious and the investigation was ongoing.

Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, who commands US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the suspect as a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information. He said the alleged conduct was a reminder of persistent insider threats.

UK government guidance says a person arrested under the National Security Act can be held without charge for up to 14 days. If there is insufficient evidence to charge a person, police can release them on bail, requiring them to return to the station for further questioning when asked. Police can also release an uncharged person under investigation while inquiries continue; they may later arrest and charge them.