Senior US soldier held near Gloucester over suspected Russian espionage

A 41-year-old senior US Army soldier has been arrested near Gloucester on suspicion of spying for Russia. British counter-terrorism police say the allegations are serious and the investigation is ongoing; the case matters because the soldier was reportedly based at a barracks serving as a strategic Nato headquarters.

The man was arrested under sections of the National Security Act 2023 covering protected information and assistance to a foreign intelligence service. Police are searching two locations in Gloucestershire, and he remains in custody at a London police station, where he can be held without charge for up to 14 days. US officials described espionage allegations as a serious concern for national security and allies.