A senior soldier in the US Army has been arrested by British counter-terror police on suspicion of committing offences under the National Security Act 2023. The 41-year-old man was taken into custody near Gloucester on Tuesday.
Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed the arrest was made under section one and section three of the National Security Act. Section one of the legislation concerns the obtaining or disclosure of protected information, while section three relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. The offences are reported to be linked to Russia.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are conducting searches at two separate locations within Gloucestershire. The soldier is currently being held in custody at a London police station.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing described the arrest as a significant development. She stated that the allegations are serious and emphasized that the investigation is very much ongoing.
FBI director Kash Patel issued a statement regarding the case, noting that the arrest involves allegations of espionage, which he described as being of the utmost concern to the United States and its allies. Patel added that the FBI has no tolerance for individuals who violate their oath to the United States and whose actions threaten national security or that of the country's partners.
Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, also commented on the situation. He remarked that the alleged conduct of a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information serves as a sobering reminder that insider threats are both real and persistent. He further encouraged anyone who believes they have witnessed suspicious activity to report it to their local counterintelligence office.
