A senior US soldier arrested in the UK is suspected of spying for Russia, British counter-terrorism police have said. The 41-year-old was arrested near Gloucester in England on Tuesday, in a joint investigation involving Counter Terrorism Policing London, the US military and the FBI.
The Metropolitan Police said the man was arrested on suspicion of offences under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023, and that the allegations relate to Russia. The FBI said the arrest involves allegations of espionage. The soldier has not been named or charged, and remains in custody at a London police station.
FAKTA
- Who was arrested: A 41-year-old senior soldier in the US Army, described as entrusted with sensitive information. He has not been named.
- Where and when: Near Gloucester, England, on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
- Suspected offences: Offences under Sections 1 and 3 of the UK’s National Security Act 2023.
- Allegations relate to: Russia, according to the Metropolitan Police. The FBI said the arrest involves allegations of espionage.
- Investigation: Led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, working with the US military and the FBI. Searches are under way at two locations in Gloucestershire.
- Status: The soldier is in custody at a London police station. He has not been charged.
US soldier arrested near Gloucester
Counter Terrorism Policing London said the 41-year-old man was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday as part of an investigation by UK authorities, the US military and the FBI. Officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire, and the soldier is being held at a London police station.
The Times reported that the soldier was understood to have been stationed at Imjin Barracks near Innsworth, where NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps has its headquarters.
Joint investigation with the FBI and the US military
FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement: “This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing, described the arrest as “significant”, adding: “The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.”
Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, 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.” He encouraged anyone who thinks they have witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.
What the National Security Act covers
Section 1 of the National Security Act 2023 relates to obtaining or disclosing protected information, while Section 3 relates to assisting a foreign intelligence service. The Act overhauled Britain’s espionage and foreign interference laws.
Arrest is not a charge
The soldier has not been charged with any offence, and an arrest is not a conviction. Police said the investigation is ongoing and is not linked to any other ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.
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