NewsUS Army corporal detained in Russia, accused of robbing a woman

US Army corporal detained in Russia, accused of robbing a woman

An American soldier was detained in Russia.

Images source: © East News | Lukasz Gdak

6:16 AM EDT, May 7, 2024

In Vladivostok, Russia, an American Army soldier has been detained, accused of robbing a woman, according to NBC News. US Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed the soldier's capture.

Smith mentioned in a press release to the media that Russia notified the US State Department of the soldier's detention on criminal charges. The incident took place on May 2nd in Vladivostok. The soldier's identity and the details of the case remain undisclosed. The White House has confirmed the information but has declined further comments.

NBC News identifies the individual as a staff sergeant (warrant officer) of the US Army stationed in South Korea and accused of theft. The Associated Press reported that he was transitioning back to the United States after his mission in Korea but ended up in the Russian Federation instead.

Another American soldier detained in Russia

In a reminiscent incident in 2022, Private Travis King of the US Army fled to North Korea, dodging potential US charges. However, the motives of the non-commissioned officer detained in Vladivostok remain unclear.

This soldier joins several Americans detained in Russia, including journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsou Kurmasheva, former Marine Paul Whelan, and those imprisoned on drug-related charges - teacher Mark Fogel and musician Travis Leake.

Also in custody is 32-year-old Ksenia Havana, a dual citizen of the US and Russia, arrested for donating to a Ukrainian aid foundation.