US Army officer held in Britain over suspected Russia-linked espionage

A US Army officer serving with a NATO unit in Britain was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of espionage linked to Russia, triggering a joint investigation involving British counterterrorism police, the FBI and the US military.

The 41-year-old soldier, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested near Gloucester in England under two provisions of the UK's Security Act 2023. The allegations include assisting a foreign intelligence service and obtaining or disclosing protected information.

The suspect was serving with NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Imjin Barracks near Gloucester, according to US, British and NATO officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. A US official identified him as an officer, while US Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the Army's Counterintelligence Command, described him as a senior soldier.

The Metropolitan Police said its counterterrorism officers worked closely with the FBI and the US military in the operation. FBI Director Kash Patel described the arrest as an "important arrest", saying the espionage allegations were of "utmost concern" to the United States and its allies.

The suspect remains in custody at a London police station. Police also conducted searches at two locations in Gloucestershire, around 140 kilometres west of London. Authorities have not released further details about the investigation.

The police clarified that the arrest was not connected to other ongoing counterterrorism investigations, including a suspected terror plot linked to Iran in September targeting RAF Fairford, a US-operated airbase near Gloucester.

Following that threat, the US Air Force withdrew bombers that had been used in strikes against Iran from RAF Fairford. The Air Force also relocated aircraft from RAF Mildenhall this week following another security threat, which The Wall Street Journal reported was linked to Iran.

Tuesday's arrest, however, is being investigated as a separate case involving suspected espionage connected to Russia.

The development comes amid growing concerns across Europe over Russian covert operations, including espionage, sabotage and drone incursions. Western officials have repeatedly warned about Moscow's alleged efforts to undermine security across NATO member states.

Denmark's Defence Intelligence Service recently warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could consider military action against NATO if he believed the alliance would not respond collectively, particularly if the United States was unwilling or unable to support European allies.

Last month, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, said the alliance was prepared to fight back if attacked by Russia. He made the remarks during a visit to Poland, where he outlined NATO's defence preparations against a potential Russian attack.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, The Associated Press has tracked more than 210 incidents of sabotage and other hostile activities across Europe that Western officials have blamed on Moscow. These include alleged plots to set fire to warehouses, drone operations, attempts to kill opponents abroad, theft of defence technology and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

One of the latest incidents involved an attempted drone attack on a German airport in August, which officials blamed on Russia. The incident prompted Germany to shut down a Russian consulate.

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