US soldier arrested in England over Russia-linked allegations

The 41-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, 10 November, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan Police said.

The Associated Press reported that the suspected offences were assisting a foreign intelligence service and obtaining or disclosing protected information. The Metropolitan Police said the allegations related to Russia, but the nature of the alleged connection remains unclear.

Officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation. British counter-terrorism police are working with the US military and the FBI, according to the BBC.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest involved allegations of espionage of “utmost concern” to the US and its allies. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing said the allegations were serious and the investigation was continuing.