Espionage probe: Army officer detained in England

A U.S. Army soldier was taken into custody in England on Tuesday amid a Russian espionage investigation.

Counterterror police arrested the 41-year-old near Gloucester on suspicion of violating two sections of the National Security Act 2023. The specific allegations involve assisting a foreign intelligence service and obtaining or disclosing protected information. The Metropolitan Police reported that their counterterror forces collaborated closely with the FBI and the U.S. military during the operation. Searches are currently underway at two locations in Gloucestershire, a county situated approximately 90 miles west of London. The suspect remains in custody at a police station in London.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as an important arrest involving allegations of espionage that are of utmost concern for the U.S. and its allies. Patel stated that the FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger national security and that of partners.

Police clarified that this arrest is distinct from other counterterror investigations. The case is not connected to a suspected terror plot linked to Iran that emerged in September at RAF Fairford, a U.S.-run base near Gloucester. Following that earlier threat, the U.S. Air Force withdrew bombers that had been deployed to strike Iran during the Middle East conflict from the base.