Why It Matters
A senior U.S. Army soldier assigned to a NATO headquarters was arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence. The case involves allegations concerning protected information and a foreign intelligence service.
What Happened
British police arrested the 41-year-old soldier near Gloucester in western England as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing. He remained in custody at a London police station.
Authorities arrested him on suspicion of offenses under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act. Those provisions concern obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The soldier was based at Imjin Barracks near Gloucester, the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. A senior NATO military official confirmed that he was assigned to the formation.
The allegations relate to Russia. The investigation is separate from other ongoing counterterrorism operations, according to the facts provided.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. 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.”
By the Numbers
41 — age of the arrested soldier
Sections 1 and 3 — National Security Act provisions cited in the arrest
At least eight — air-refueling tankers that left RAF Mildenhall
Three — Osprey tilt-rotor military transports that left RAF Mildenhall
Monday — day the aircraft left RAF Mildenhall
Zoom Out
British security services said Russia and Iran have used proxies to commit crimes on U.K. soil. Separately, several U.S. military aircraft departed RAF Mildenhall after the security posture there increased.
The aircraft leaving the base included at least eight air-refueling tankers and three Osprey tilt-rotor military transports. The provided facts do not establish a connection between those movements and the soldier’s arrest.
What’s Next
The soldier remained in police custody while the Counter Terrorism Policing investigation continued. The available information does not state whether charges have been filed or identify a court proceeding.