UK counter-terrorism police arrest U.S. soldier near Gloucester

FBI director says espionage allegations concern the United States and its allies

British counter-terrorism police arrested a 41-year-old U.S. soldier near Gloucester on Tuesday in a case involving alleged links to Russia. The man was arrested on suspicion of offences under section one and section three of the National Security Act and remains in custody at a London police station.

Police said the country to which the allegations related was Russia. Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation was being conducted in close cooperation with U.S. authorities, the U.S. military and the FBI.

The U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command said the allegations related to a “senior soldier.” Metropolitan Police said officers were searching two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest “involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”

Patel said that “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.” He said the FBI had made 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the last 21 months, a 53% increase.

Patel thanked UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their work. He said partnerships were essential to protect the United States and its partners.

Police said the investigation was not linked to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.”

Evans said: “This activity demonstrates the strength of our UK and US law enforcement and national security partnerships, and I commend the work of all the teams involved.” She added: “We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security.”

Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the alleged conduct “of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.” He encouraged anyone who thought they had witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.