Circuit Wire — a daily news update from the Circuit.
A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested near Gloucester, England, on Tuesday, November 10, on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to UK Counter Terrorism Policing. His name has not been released.
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London detained him under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Section 1 covers obtaining or disclosing protected information, and Section 3 covers assisting a foreign intelligence service, the BBC reported. He is being held at a London police station while officers search two locations in Gloucestershire.
Under the Act, a suspect can be held without charge for up to 14 days. The BBC said it understands the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, the headquarters of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Police have not confirmed his rank, unit or posting.
The investigation brings together UK police, the US military, the FBI, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence and the US Army Counterintelligence Command. Police said it is not linked to any other Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, who leads the US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the suspect as a senior soldier with access to sensitive information. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, called the allegations serious and said the arrest followed close work between UK and US agencies.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau has made 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests over the past 21 months, a 53% increase. The Record reported that the Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It also noted that Britain's spy chief warned earlier this year that Russia carries out "daily hybrid activity" against the United States and its Western allies.
The arrest is the latest state threat case in the same county. In October, two men were charged under the National Security Act over a plot against RAF Fairford, also in Gloucestershire, which UK authorities have linked to Iran. Police say the two investigations are separate.
No charges have been announced in the soldier's case, and the investigation is continuing.
Want a weekly roundup of the major stories shaping the security industry? The On The Circuit newsletter is read by more than 12,000 protection professionals.
Spotted something we should cover? Send tips and feedback via circuit-magazine.com.