A senior US Army soldier with access to top-secret information has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of offences connected to Russia. The 41-year-old man was detained earlier today and remains in custody in London, according to the Met Police.
Arrest under National Security Act
The arrest was made under sections one and three of the National Security Act, which relate to the disclosure of classified information and assisting foreign intelligence services. Police carried out raids at two locations in Gloucestershire, working alongside counter-terrorism police, the FBI and the US Military.
Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the man as a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information. He said the arrest is a reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.
Investigation ongoing
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, called the arrest significant, adding that the allegations are serious and the investigation is ongoing.
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, said the man is accused of espionage. He 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 its partners.
