US Army officer with access to sensitive secrets arrested in UK over alleged Russia links
A member of the US army was arrested near Gloucester yesterday (10 November).
Currently unnamed, the 41-year-old man is said to be a ‘senior soldier’ and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London say this came as part of an investigation working closely with US authorities.
He was arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 1 (obtaining or disclosing protected information) and Section 3 (assisting a foreign intelligence service) of the National Security Act 2023.
And an FBI official says it involves allegations of espionage as the CTP said the country these relate to is Russia.
Advert
Officers are now carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire while the US army officer remains in custody at a police station in London while the CTP lead the investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities.”
Evans described the allegations as ‘serious’ as the investigation continues.
“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.”
FBI director Kash Patel said the arrest is ‘important’ and that it involves espionage allegations which is ‘of the utmost concern’ to the US and its allies.
“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,” he continued.
Patel highlighted a ’53 percent’ increase in counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the last 21 months. And he added his thanks to the UK authorities.
Sky News reports that the soldier was stationed at Imjin Barracks near Innsworth, where the headquarters are for NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said: “This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the resolve of the counterintelligence community.
“I am grateful to the UK and the FBI for their professionalism and teamwork throughout this investigation.
“The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they’ve witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.”
The LADbible Group have contacted the Met Police for comment.
Jess Battison
