Senior US soldier arrested in UK on allegations of Russia espionage

A US Army officer has been arrested in the UK over "allegations of espionage" related to Russia, according to British and American officials.

The 41-year-old man, who has not been named, was detained near Gloucester on Tuesday, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023.

He is being held over allegations in relation to section 1 of the act - obtaining or disclosing protected information, and section 3 - assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Sky News understands the senior soldier was stationed at Imjin Barracks near Innsworth, on the outskirts of Gloucester, where NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps has its headquarters.

The Metropolitan Police said counter terrorism officers have been working closely with the FBI and US military in the investigation.

Kash Patel, the head of the FBI, said: "This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies."

Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire, the Met said.

The force added that the country to which the allegations relate is Russia.

The 41-year-old soldier remains in custody at a police station in London and the investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, as enquiries continue.

It is not linked to any other ongoing CTP investigations, police said.

Mr Patel added: "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."

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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities.

"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.

"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.

"We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security."

Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US 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.

"I encourage anyone who thinks they've witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office."

(c) Sky News 2026: Senior US soldier arrested in UK on allegations of Russia espionage