UK: US soldier arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia

London, Nov 10 (KUNA) -- The British Metropolitan Police announced on Tuesday the arrest of a U.S. military personnel on suspicion of espionage in favor of Russia under the National Security Act 2023. In a statement, the police said the 41-year-old soldier was arrested near Gloucester as part of an investigation conducted by Counter-Terrorism Command in coordination with the U.S. Army and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The police added that searches were carried out at two sites in Gloucestershire, clarifying that the state implicated in the allegations is Russia.

The police quoted the National Counter-Terrorism Police Coordinator, Vicky Evans, as saying, “This arrest is significant. The allegations are serious, and the investigation is ongoing.” Evans affirmed that the arrest reflects “the strength of the partnership between UK law enforcement and national security agencies and those in the United States,” emphasizing that both sides would work together to take firm action against anyone suspected of involvement in criminal activities that could undermine national security.

In a related development, FBI Director Kash Patel and Major General Sean Stinchcombe, commander of the U.S. Army’s Counterintelligence Command, issued separate statements regarding the arrest, praising the close cooperation between the United States and Britain and stressing the seriousness with which the case is being handled.

The Metropolitan Police noted that the suspect remains in custody at a police station in London, while Counter-Terrorism Command officers in London are leading the investigation. (End) A.S.H. / M.A.H.