By LOLITA C. BALDOR (Associated Press)
WASHINGTON (AP) — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, as stated by two U.S. officials.
The soldier, who remains unidentified, was based in South Korea and was on the way back to the United States. Instead, he went to Russia.
The officials asked to remain anonymous in discussing personnel specifics.
Cynthia Smith, an Army spokeswoman, confirmed the soldier's detention in Vladivostok, a significant military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She mentioned that Russia informed the U.S. and the soldier's family was notified by the Army.
“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.
On Monday, it was uncertain whether the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.
The soldier's arrest occurred less than a year after another American soldier, Travis King, dashed into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea later announced his expulsion, and he was eventually charged with desertion. Russia is known to be detaining several Americans in its prisons, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Both individuals have been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained, and efforts are underway to secure their release. Others held include Travis Leake, a musician residing in Russia for years who was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, sentenced to 14 years in prison also on drug charges; and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana. The soldier's detention in Russia was first reported by NBC News. A U.S. soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of theft, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to The Associated Press. The soldier, who remains anonymous, was stationed in South Korea and was on the way back to the United States. Instead, he traveled to Russia. According to the officials, the soldier was arrested late last week in Vladivostok, a Pacific port city, and is currently in custody. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details. King, who was returned to the U.S. He was eventually charged with desertion.
Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.
Others detained include Travis Leake, a musician who had been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana.
The soldier’s arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News.
