A US Army soldier stationed in South Korea has been detained in Russia, according to the US military.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the charges are not connected to “politics or espionage” but rather to a “purely domestic crime.”
Staff Sgt Gordon Black is accused of theft involving a woman, as reported by CBS, the BBC’s US partner.
He was not on official duty when he was arrested on May 2 in the city of Vladivostok, located in Russia‘s Far East.
Russian media report that Sgt Black was visiting a woman he was romantically involved with.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters the US is “aware of this case and other matters related to Russia”.
During a White House briefing on Monday, Mr. Kirby stated he could not provide additional details.
The US Army has released a statement indicating that the soldier is facing charges of criminal misconduct.
“The Army notified his family and the US Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia,” said spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.
CBS reports that the soldier was in the process of transferring from South Korea to Fort Cavazos in Texas.
