Senior US soldier accused of spying for Russia arrested at Nato base in UK | BBC News

A senior US army officer has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of spying for Russia. The 41-year-old man was detained on Tuesday. Counter-terrorism police said the soldier had been arrested under national security laws relating to obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. The BBC understands the soldier is based at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, which is headquarters of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, a strategic operational base for the alliance. The director of the 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." He added: "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." Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, from Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the arrest as "significant". "The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing," she said. The unnamed soldier is currently in custody at a London police station where he can be held without charge for up to 14 days. Brig Gen Sean Stinchon, commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command, said: "The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent. Fiona Bruce presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Daniel Sandford. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews

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