US officer Brandon Tyner held over Russia spying claims
Lt Col Brandon Carroll Tyner, 41, arrested near Gloucester under National Security Act 2023.
The US military has identified Lt Col Brandon Carroll Tyner, 41, who was arrested in the UK on suspicion of espionage for Russia. Tyner was detained near Gloucester on Tuesday and is being held under the National Security Act 2023. British counter-terror police have secured further time to question him, with his detention extended until November 17.
The allegations against Tyner concern offences under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act 2023. These sections relate to obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. The country to which these allegations relate has been identified as Russia.
FBI statement on espionage concerns
FBI director Kash Patel stated that the arrest involves "allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies". He added, "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."
Tyner, who joined the US Army in 2008, has previously deployed to Iraq, Qatar, and Afghanistan. Reports indicate he was based at Imjin Barracks in Innsworth, Gloucestershire, which houses Nato’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps headquarters. Officers have conducted searches at two locations in Gloucestershire as part of the ongoing investigation.
Kremlin denies Russian links
A Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has denied any Russian involvement or knowledge of the arrest. Peskov stated, "This arrest does not concern us in any way. We don’t know what it’s connected to. We have nothing to do with this and it has nothing to do with us."
Questions this report answers
01Who is Lt Col Brandon Carroll Tyner?
Lt Col Brandon Carroll Tyner is a 41-year-old US Army officer who joined the service in 2008. He has previously been deployed to Iraq, Qatar, and Afghanistan. He was arrested in the UK on suspicion of spying for Russia.
02What is he accused of?
He is accused of offences under the National Security Act 2023, specifically obtaining or disclosing protected information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. The country involved in these allegations is Russia.
03What has the FBI said about the arrest?
FBI director Kash Patel stated that the arrest involves "allegations of espionage, which is of the utmost concern to the United States and our allies". He emphasised the FBI's zero tolerance for actions endangering national security.
04Has Russia responded to the allegations?
Yes, a Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, has denied any Russian links to the US officer. He stated that the arrest does not concern Russia and that they have nothing to do with it.
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