British police have released few details about the arrest, but confirmed that the officer in question worked for a NATO force near Gloucester and was suspected of spying for Russia.

The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police Service—better known as “Scotland Yard” after its headquarters in London—announced on Tuesday afternoon that it had arrested a 41-year-old American soldier serving in the UK near Gloucester following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing, US authorities, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The unnamed individual was arrested under Section 1 and Section 3 of the UK’s National Security Act, forbidding collusion with a foreign power. Scotland Yard did not indicate the specific crime that the soldier had allegedly committed, but it claimed that “the country to which the allegations relate is Russia.”

“This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities,” stated Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. “The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing. This activity demonstrates the strength of our UK and US law enforcement and national security partnerships, and I commend the work of all the teams involved. We will work together to take robust action against those we suspect of any criminal activity that could undermine our national security.”

The incident does not appear related to this past September’s terrorist-related arrest of multiple British nationals near Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford, the air base that hosted US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer bombers.

UK officials have also stated that the incident is not linked to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigations.

“This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies,” said FBI director Kash Patel. “While this investigation is continuing, I want to send a clear message—this FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger our national security and that of our partners. This includes 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests from this FBI over the last 21 months—a 53 percent increase.”

Here’s What We Know About the UK Criminal Case So Far

Relatively little is known about the soldier in question. Scotland Yard has not released his name to the public. However, it is known that he was a “field grade officer” in the US Army, implying a rank of O-4 (Major), O-5 (Lieutenant Colonel), or O-6 (Colonel). It is also known that the officer in question was stationed at Imjin Barracks near the city of Gloucester—the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), a British-led NATO unit.

The ARRC confirmed in a statement that the officer had been assigned to the division prior to his arrest.

Section 1 of the UK’s National Security Act prohibits obtaining, copying, recording, or disclosing protected information that might prejudice the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. Section 3 prohibits materially assisting a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, including directly or indirectly providing foreign intelligence information, goods, services, or financial benefit.

“This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the resolve of the counterintelligence community,” said Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding officer of the US Army Counterintelligence Command. “I am grateful to the UK and the FBI for their professionalism and teamwork throughout this investigation. The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent. I encourage anyone who thinks they’ve witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.”

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. He has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines, and websites over a 30-year career in journalism, including Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author at Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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