The BBC understands that a 41-year-old senior serviceman from the United States Army was arrested near Gloucester on Tuesday by counter-terrorism police.
British Counter Terrorism Policing London said the man is being held under Sections One and Three of the National Security Act 2023. Section one relates to obtaining or disclosing protected information; section three pertains to assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Background
The soldier was reportedly based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire — a site serving as the headquarters for NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), an operational base critical to alliance military coordination.
No direct link has been established between this case and any other ongoing investigations by UK authorities.
Citations from Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement saying: "This important arrest involves allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our 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."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans described the incident as 'significant' and emphasized the seriousness of the alleged offences. She stated: "The allegations are serious and our investigation is very much ongoing."
Status and Legal Framework
The individual remains in custody at a London police station. Detention under the National Security Act 2023 allows authorities to hold him without charge for up to 14 days.
Brigadier General 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." He urged individuals who may have observed suspicious activity to report it to their local counterintelligence office.
All statements attributed above come from official public releases by UK and US institutions as reported through BBC News. No independent verification has been conducted beyond these sources.