An American soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, has been arrested in Russia on theft charges, officials report.(AP/Alexander Khitrov)

- The soldier, originally stationed in South Korea, diverted to Russia instead of returning to Fort Cavazos, Texas.
- The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.
- It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
WASHINGTON — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials.
U.S. officials said the soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning home to Fort Cavazos in Texas. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.
Confirmation of Detention
Cynthia Smith, Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained on Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier’s family.
“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.
It was unclear Monday if the soldier is considered absent without leave, or AWOL.
Previous Incidents
The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King sprinted into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea later announced that it would expel 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.
RELATED TOPICS:
Dollar Doubts Dominate Gathering of Global Economic Leaders
23 hours ago
Shedeur Sanders’ Long Wait Ends When Browns Take Him in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft
24 hours ago
Only About Half of Republicans Say Trump Has Focused on the Right Priorities
1 day ago
Shedeur Sanders Is Still Waiting for a Call as the NFL Draft Enters the Final Day
1 day ago
Paul Skenes Strikes Out 9, Wins Duel With Yamamoto in Pirates’ Victory Over Dodgers
1 day ago
Eovaldi Outlasts Verlander as Rangers Beat Giants
1 day ago
Will California Meet Newsom’s 2035 EV Deadline? It Won’t Even Hit the 2026 Target
7 hours ago
Categories

Will California Meet Newsom’s 2035 EV Deadline? It Won’t Even Hit the 2026 Target

Is It Bad to Chew Gum All Day?

Dollar Doubts Dominate Gathering of Global Economic Leaders

Shedeur Sanders’ Long Wait Ends When Browns Take Him in the 5th Round of the NFL Draft

Only About Half of Republicans Say Trump Has Focused on the Right Priorities

Wired Wednesday: What’s the Future of Fresno Unified and the Superintendent Position?

Zakaria Draws Parallels Between Trump’s Tariffs, Failed 1930s Economic Policies
