American Soldier Arrested in Russia for Alleged Theft: Latest Updates

An American soldier was arrested in the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. He was there visiting a friend when he was arrested by the police. Russian authorities are accusing him of stealing from her, US officials say.

Gordon Black, 34, was based in South Korea. He should be on his way home to Fort Cavazos, Texas. Instead he traveled to Russia last week to see a girlfriend, with whom he claimed to be having an affair.

According to officials, the Russian woman lived in South Korea until recently. They reportedly had an argument last fall, after which she left the country. It is not clear whether she did this alone or if the Korean authorities were involved, the AP news agency wrote.

Black had not informed his unit of his stop in Vladivostok and therefore had not received permission to go to Russia. It is unclear whether US military personnel are generally barred from traveling to Russia, although the State Department advises US citizens not to travel to the country.

A US military spokesman confirmed Black’s arrest and said the State Department was providing consular assistance to the man. The diplomatic relationship between the United States and Russia is already bad and will only become more difficult as a result of this new arrest of Americans, according to AP.

In addition, musician Travis Leake is in custody, who was arrested last year on drug-related charges. Teacher Marc Fogel has been sentenced to sixteen years in prison on similar charges. Also in custody are Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Chavana, both of whom have dual nationality.