Newsroom
A 41-year-old member of the US Army has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of espionage-related offences allegedly linked to Russia.
The man was detained near Gloucester on Tuesday, 10 November, under the National Security Act 2023. He has not been publicly identified and remains in police custody at a station in London.
The allegations concern two sections of the legislation. Section 1 covers the unauthorised obtaining or disclosure of protected information, while Section 3 relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. British authorities have confirmed that Russia is the country connected to the investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing officers are conducting searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing enquiries, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, with British and American authorities working together.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as the result of close cooperation between the UK and the United States. She stressed that the allegations are serious and confirmed that investigative work is continuing.
FBI Director Kash Patel also addressed the arrest, describing the alleged espionage as a matter of significant concern for the United States and its allies. He said the FBI would not tolerate individuals whose actions breach their commitments to the country or put national security at risk.
No further details about the alleged activities or the information potentially involved have been released. The investigation remains ongoing, and the 41-year-old has not been charged.
