A 41-year-old member of the US Army has been arrested in Britain by counter-terror police as part of a major investigation into alleged espionage linked to Russia.
The man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday, November 10, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023. The arrest followed collaboration between UK and US authorities.
UK and US collaboration
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."
Evans added: "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."
FBI response
FBI Director Kash Patel said: "This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies. 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."
Patel highlighted that the FBI has made 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the last 21 months, a 53% increase. He thanked UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence, and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their work.
The investigation remains ongoing.
