British Police have reported the detention, this Tuesday, of a member of the United States Armed Forces in the southwest of the United Kingdom, suspected of carrying out espionage activities in favor of Russia.
The operation was directed by UK anti-terrorism units, in coordination with the U.S. Army and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and it has resulted in the arrest of this serviceman, a 41-year-old man whose identity has not yet been made public, in the vicinity of Gloucester.
"As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at two locations in Gloucestershire. The country referred to in the allegations is Russia," the Police add in their statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel has praised the arrest. "The FBI does not tolerate anyone who breaks their oath to the United States and whose actions endanger our national security and that of our partners," he asserted.
British Deputy Commissioner and anti-terrorism coordinator Vicki Evans celebrates a "significant arrest" and the investigation underway, "the result of close collaboration between the authorities of the United Kingdom and the United States."
The suspect was arrested under the National Security Act of 2023 and continues to be held in custody at a police station in London. The investigation remains open and is being developed by agents from the anti-terrorism unit.