After alleged theft
US soldier arrested in Russia
May 7, 2024, 2:02 a.m
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A US soldier who was stationed in South Korea stops in Russia before his planned trip home to the USA. There he was arrested for an alleged crime and is currently in custody.
A US soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of theft. The 34-year-old was stationed in South Korea and was on his way home to the United States but then decided to travel to Russia, said two U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The man was arrested at the end of last week in the Pacific port city of Vladivostok and is in custody.
Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed the soldier was arrested Thursday on criminal misconduct charges. Russia informed the United States of the arrest and notified the soldier’s family. The US State Department is now providing “consular assistance”. NBC News first reported on the case. The soldier made a detour to Vladivostok to meet a woman with whom he was romantically involved. He started the trip without the permission of his superiors. The Russian authorities accuse the 34-year-old of stealing from a woman, it was said. It is unclear whether this is the same woman he came to Russia to see. Loud “CNN” The man is said to be a sergeant.
Several Americans are in prison in Russia. Among them are ex-military man Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich from the Wall Street Journal. According to the US government, both are wrongfully imprisoned. Washington is committed to bringing them home. Others detained include Travis Leake – a musician who has lived in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug charges – Marc Fogel, a Moscow-based teacher who was also sentenced to 14 years in prison on drug charges, and two dual nationals . The US State Department has repeatedly warned US citizens not to travel to Russia.