US soldier with suspected links to Russia arrested by UK counter-terrorism police
The man, aged 41, was arrested as part of an investigation carried out by counter-terrorism police, in close collaboration with American authorities, the US army and the FBI, London counter-terrorism police said.
The U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command said the allegations involved a “senior soldier.”
The man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday on suspicion of offenses under sections one and three of the National Security Act and remains in custody at a London police station.
As part of the investigation, officers carried out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire, the Metropolitan Police said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that the arrest “involves allegations of espionage, which is of grave concern to the United States and our allies.”
He added: “As this investigation continues, I want to send a clear message: This FBI has no tolerance for anyone who violates their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger our national security and that of our partners.
“This includes 167 counterintelligence and counterintelligence arrests by the FBI over the past 21 months, an increase of 53 percent.
“This case shows that partnerships are essential to protecting our countries and I would like to express my thanks to the UK Counter Terrorism Police, MI5, UK Defense Counter Intelligence and US Army Counter Intelligence Command for their exceptional work.”
The investigation is not linked to any other ongoing anti-terrorism police investigation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national counter-terrorism policing co-ordinator, said: “The allegations are serious and our investigation is ongoing.
“This activity demonstrates the strength of our law enforcement and national security partnerships in the UK and US, and I commend the work of all teams involved.
“We will work together to take strong action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could harm our national security. »
Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the alleged conduct “of a high-ranking soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sad reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.”
He added: “I encourage anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office. »
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