A senior US Army soldier has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of spying for Russia, British counter-terrorism police have said.

The 41-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday, 10 November, on suspicion of offences under the National Security Act 2023. He remains in custody at a London police station, and officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire.

Arrest under the National Security Act

Counter Terrorism Policing London said the man was arrested on suspicion of offences under section 1 and section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. Section 1 concerns obtaining or disclosing protected information, while section 3 concerns assisting a foreign intelligence service. Police confirmed that the country to which the allegations relate is Russia.

Under the Act, police can hold a suspect for up to 14 days without charge. The soldier has not been named, and no charges have been brought. The arrest is on suspicion only, and the investigation is continuing.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing.” Police said the case is not linked to any other ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.

Senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information

Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the US Army Counterintelligence Command, described the arrested man as a “senior soldier” who had been “entrusted with sensitive information”. The arrest was made by British counter-terrorism officers working closely with US authorities, the US military and the FBI.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement: “This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”

The BBC understands the soldier was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, the headquarters of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, although police have not confirmed where he served or what he is accused of passing on. His name, rank, unit and specific role have not been released.

What happens next

Detectives will now decide whether there is enough evidence to charge the soldier, while searches continue at the two Gloucestershire locations. No timetable has been given for a decision on whether charges will follow. Police have released no further details about the nature of the information at the centre of the allegations.

The National Security Act, which received Royal Assent in July 2023, replaced older espionage laws and gave police wider powers to investigate state threats, including longer detention periods for suspects held under its provisions.