British counterterrorism police arrest US soldier accused of spying on behalf of Russia

A 41-year-old member of the US Army was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday in England, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Authorities were searched two locations in the Gloucestershire region, police said, adding: "The country to which the allegations pertain is Russia."

US authorities, the US Military and the FBI were closely involved in the investigation, police said.

The man was in custody at a London police station, authorities said on Tuesday evening as the news emerged.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing called it a "significant arrest" as a result of "close collaboration between UK and US authorities."

"The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing," Evans said.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the case was of "utmost concern" to the US and its allies.

"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," Patel said. He also expressed thanks to UK investigators across various branches and the US Military Counterintelligence Command "for their outstanding work."

Brigadier General Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of US Army Counterintelligence Command also said the case demonstrated the "resolve of the counterintelligence community."

"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," Stinchon said.

The area around Gloucestershire in the west of England, around two hours' drive from London, is home to several sensitive military and intelligence sites as well as outposts for various British and US companies with ties to the defense industry.

RAF Fairford, which was in the news earlier this year amid a security scare at the vast airbase used by both UK and US planes, is not far southeast of Gloucester.

Gloucester's neighboring town, Cheltenham, is one the UK's intelligence hubs outside London. It is home to the headquarters of the country's signals intelligence agency GCHQ.