U.S. Army officer arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, authorities say

On November 10, 2026, British police arrested a 41-year-old American soldier near Gloucester, England, on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence officials. The arrest was part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing and involves alleged violations under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023, which pertain to obtaining or disclosing protected information and aiding a foreign intelligence service. The soldier remains in custody at a police station in London.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that this arrest sends a clear message regarding the bureau's "no tolerance" policy for espionage activities by US personnel that endanger national security. Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, noted that such insider threats are real and persistent, highlighting the seriousness of the case.

The investigation involved close cooperation between US authorities, the FBI, and British counter-terrorism units. Searches were also conducted at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing probe.