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A United States soldier has reportedly been detained in Russia, after travelling there from South Korea, it was reported Monday.
The US soldier had been stationed in South Korea and headed to Russia on his own, NBC News first reported. A spokesperson later confirmed the arrest to The Associated Press.
The man was accused of stealing from a woman, the outlet said, but no other details were given by the source spoken to.
The Independent has approached the US Army for comment but is yet to receive a response.
“The Russian Federation notified the US Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations,” US Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith said in a statement released to NBC.
“The Army notified his family and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia. Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
White House spokesperson John Kirby told Politico that the US was aware of the situation, but did not comment further.
The soldier was arrested on Thursday 2 May in Vladivostok on charges of criminal misconduct.
The US Embassy in Moscow is reportedly in contact with the soldier’s family.
Moscow is holding multiple US citizens, with a journalist and a dual-citizen among them.
In late April, Wall Street Journal employee Evan Gershkovich was told he will remain in jail in Russia until at least the end of June. He is accused of espionage.
Last year, an American soldier also stationed in South Korea – Travis King – fled to North Korea when he faced disciplinary action. He was later detained by US officials.
Source: independent.co.uk
