LONDON — A 41-year-old member of the U.S. Army has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of National Security Act offences, in a counter-terrorism investigation whose allegations relate to Russia, the Metropolitan Police said on Tuesday.
The man was arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 1 and Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the investigation, which Counter Terrorism Policing is running with U.S. authorities, the U.S. military and the FBI.
He has been detained under the National Security Act 2023 and remains in custody at a London police station. The investigation is led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, and enquiries continue.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities. 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,” Evans added.
FBI and Army Commanders Respond
FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest “involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.” He said the FBI has made 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the last 21 months, a 53% increase.
“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,” Patel said.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, who commands the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said: “This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the resolve of the counterintelligence community.” The alleged conduct of a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information, he said, is “a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent.”
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation is not linked to any other ongoing Counter Terrorism Policing investigations.