US Army Soldier Arrested in England on Suspicion of Spying for Russia

10th November 2026

Updated 10 Nov 2026, 20:36 · First published 10 Nov 2026

A senior member of the US Army has been arrested in England on suspicion of spying for Russia. The 41-year-old was detained near Gloucester on Tuesday by Counter Terrorism Policing, working alongside the FBI and the US military.

He was arrested under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. Police said the allegations relate to Russia. He has not been named and has not been charged.

At a glance

WhoA 41-year-old senior US Army soldier (not named)

WhereArrested near Gloucester

Suspected offencesSections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023

Linked toRussia, according to police

NowIn custody at a London police station

SearchesTwo addresses in Gloucestershire

What the police said

Officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire. The man is being held at a police station in London. Police said the investigation is not connected to any other ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, called the arrest “significant” and said the allegations “are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing”.

📬 The Energy BriefingTop news, sport and what's on in London, straight to your inbox. Free.

What the US said

“This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies.”

FBI Director Kash Patel

“I encourage anyone who thinks they’ve witnessed something suspicious to report it to their local counterintelligence office.”

Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general, US Army Counterintelligence Command

Brigadier General Stinchon described the alleged conduct of a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information as a “sobering reminder” that the threat from insiders is real and persistent.

Patel added: “This FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States.” The Army’s Counterintelligence Command declined to give any more details about the soldier, including his unit or where he was based.

The arrest is not linked to the alleged plot involving Iran at RAF Fairford in September.

What is the National Security Act?

The National Security Act 2023 replaced the old Official Secrets Acts. Section 1 covers obtaining or disclosing protected information for a foreign power, and Section 3 makes it an offence to assist a foreign intelligence service. The law was brought in to give police and prosecutors stronger powers against spying and interference by hostile states.

What happens next

Police can hold the man while they question him and search the two properties. Prosecutors will then decide whether there is enough evidence to charge him. We will update this story as more details are released.