US Army member accused of spying for Russia

A member of the U.S. Army was arrested in the United Kingdom on allegations that he was conducting espionage for the benefit of Russia.  

What we know:

The UK’s Metropolitan Police Service announced the arrest of the 41-year-old man, adding that he was taken into custody Tuesday in Gloucester and authorities are searching two locations in the city in western England. Metro Police had worked with the FBI and the U.S. military in conducting the investigation.

The law enforcement statement indicated the suspect is accused of violating two sections of the UK’s 2023 National Security Act pertaining to obtaining protected information and helping a foreign intelligence service get information on British activities. 

What we don't know:

The Metropolitan Police statement did not identify the person who was arrested. Additionally, neither UK nor U.S. officials described the allegations against the individual. However, they did tell The Associated Press that it was not related to the recent suspected terror plot at a U.S.-run base near Gloucester.

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What they're saying:

In the statement announcing the arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel described the matter as a case of espionage, which he described as the "utmost concern of the United States and our allies."

 "While this investigation is continuing, 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.

US-UK partnership credited for spy arrest

Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, also used the announcement to highlight the strength of the partnership between the U.S. and its allies, crediting it for the arrest.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from the Metropolitan Police Service. This story was reported from Orlando, Florida.