US soldier held in London over alleged Russia spying
British police arrested a 41-year-old US Army soldier near Gloucester, southwest England, on suspicion of spying for Russia, police say. The suspect is held at a London police station under the National Security Act. The soldier was assigned to NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth. Police are searching two locations in Gloucestershire. FBI director Kash Patel called the allegations of utmost concern to the United States and its allies. The Kremlin, through spokesman Dmitry Peskov, denied any link to the case.
Key facts
- Offences under Section 1 of the National Security Act carry a maximum of life imprisonment; Section 3 carries 14 years.
- The soldier could be held without charge for up to 14 days under the National Security Act.
- Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator at UK Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as significant.
- US Army Counterintelligence Command's commanding general Sean Stinchon said insider threats are real and persistent.
- The Pentagon referred questions to the US Army, which had not immediately responded to requests for details.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 22:11Read our AI policy
Why it matters
A US soldier assigned to a NATO corps is accused of espionage for Russia, raising insider-threat concerns for allied forces.
What changed
Summary updated
Summary updated
Summary updated
First published from NRK, ABC News (Australia), The Straits Times, Hindustan Times and DR Nyheder