British authorities arrest U.S. Army soldier in UK on Russia spying suspicion

British authorities arrested a 41-year-old U.S. Army soldier in Britain on Nov. 10, 2026, on suspicion of spying for Russia. The suspect has not been named and is described as a senior soldier entrusted with sensitive information. He is being held at a police station in London. The arrest was carried out by U.K. counterterrorism police working alongside U.S. authorities, including the FBI and the military.

The arrest involves sections of the U.K. National Security Act covering espionage, specifically section one and section three. The allegations relate to Russia. One alleged offense is assisting a foreign intelligence service, and another is obtaining or disclosing protected information.

Officers are searching two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing investigation. The arrest occurred near Gloucester, about 100 miles west of London, where GCHQ, Britain’s intelligence, security and cybersecurity agency, is located. The soldier was based at Imjin barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, where NATO’s allied rapid reaction corps has its headquarters. The searches remain active as the probe continues, and officials say the investigation has no connection to other Counter Terrorism Policing cases.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the espionage allegations a matter of utmost concern to the United States and allies. Patel said the FBI tolerates no one who breaks an oath to the United States, stating, “this FBI has no tolerance for anyone who breaks their oath to the United States.” Patel cited 167 counterintelligence and espionage arrests by the FBI over the last 21 months, a 53% increase, and said actions endangering U.S. national security and that of partners meet with no tolerance. Patel thanked UK Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, UK Defence Counter Intelligence and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command for their work.

Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commanding general of the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the case demonstrates partnership strength and counterintelligence resolve. Stinchon called the conduct of a senior soldier with sensitive information a reminder that insider threats are real and persistent. Stinchon urged people to report suspicious activity to local counterintelligence offices.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the arrest shows strong UK-US law enforcement and national security partnerships. Evans stated, “This significant arrest and investigation is a result of close collaboration between UK and US authorities.” Evans said the allegations are serious and the investigation is ongoing. Evans said UK and US authorities will take robust action together.

The action targets criminal activity that could undermine national security. Moscow has not yet answered a request for comment. Britain’s spy chief issued a warning about Russian hybrid activity in 2026, concerning daily hybrid activity by Russia against the U.S. and Western allies. Keast-Butler accused Moscow of targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust, and said Moscow attacks from the seabed to cyberspace.