An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials, APA reports citing AP.
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.
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.