A senior U.S. Army soldier, 41, was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage offences related to Russia, Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was detained under the National Security Act 2023 as part of an investigation into suspected national security threats, led by Counter Terrorism Policing in coordination with the U.S. military and the FBI.
He remains in custody at a London police station. Officers are currently searching two locations in the wider Gloucestershire area as part of the ongoing joint U.K.-U.S. investigation, which is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing officers based in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the allegations as “serious.”
“We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security,” Evans said.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the case highlighted the risk posed by insiders with access to sensitive information.
“The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent,” Stinchon said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest reflected close cooperation between British and American agencies.
“This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies,” Patel said. “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 officials have made at least 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests under the current FBI leadership over the past 21 months, a 53% increase, and thanked UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence, and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their work on the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
