A senior U.S. Army officer assigned to a NATO military command in Britain was arrested Tuesday, November 10, 2026, on suspicion of espionage involving Russia, according to British and American authorities.
The 41-year-old officer was detained near Gloucester, England, as part of an investigation into suspected violations of Britain's National Security Act. Authorities are investigating allegations involving protected information and assistance to a foreign intelligence service.
The officer was assigned to NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, a British-led military formation headquartered at Imjin Barracks in Gloucester, according to U.S. officials. The command maintains forces capable of deploying rapidly in response to military threats across NATO territory.
Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, commander of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, said the soldier had been entrusted with sensitive information and warned about the risks posed by individuals with access to military intelligence.
"The alleged conduct of a senior soldier, entrusted with sensitive information, is a sobering reminder that insider threats are real and persistent," Stinchon said.
British police arrested the officer under Sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023. The provisions cover obtaining or disclosing protected information connected to a foreign power and conduct intended or likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service. The protected information offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
The investigation is being led by British counterterrorism police in cooperation with the FBI, MI5, British defense intelligence officials and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the allegations raised serious national security concerns for the United States and its allies. British Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, who oversees counterterrorism policing coordination, said the arrest followed cooperation between American and British authorities.
The officer's name and exact rank have not been released, and authorities have announced no formal charges. Investigators are searching two locations in Gloucestershire while the officer remains in custody at a London police station.
