American Soldier Arrested in Russia Over Theft Charges

An American soldier, identified as Gordon Black by sources, was detained in Vladivostok, Russia, under suspicion of theft last Thursday, according to US officials.

Black, a staff sergeant stationed in South Korea, was apprehended by Russian authorities on May 2.

His trip to Russia was reportedly self-initiated, and he was not absent without leave from his station in South Korea at the time of his travel.

Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith confirmed the soldier's detention, stating that the Russian Federation notified the US Department of State in compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Smith emphasized the sensitivity of the matter and refrained from divulging further details.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Moscow is actively seeking consular access to Black, Fox News reports.

Black's arrest adds to a concerning trend of Americans being held in Russian detention facilities.

Notable cases include corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, both designated by the US government as wrongfully detained.

Tensions between the US and Russia, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, exacerbate concerns regarding the safety of American citizens in Russia.

Black's detention echoes a similar incident involving US Army private Travis King, who voluntarily crossed into North Korea last July.

King's actions led to his detention in North Korea and subsequent diplomatic efforts to secure his release.

Upon his return to the US, King faced charges of desertion.

Pretrial Detention and Diplomatic Response

Following the publication of initial reports, Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith officially confirmed Black's detention, reiterating the American soldier's notification of his family and the State Department's provision of consular support.

White House spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged awareness of the case but refrained from elaborating further, according to BBC.

Rep. Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed deep concern over Black's detention, highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's history of holding American citizens hostage.

McCaul reiterated the State Department's warning against travel to Russia, emphasizing the risks faced by Americans in the country.

Legal Proceedings

Black is currently held in pretrial detention in Russia, with a court date set for July 1.

The specific charges against him remain undisclosed, pending further developments in the case.

The State Department continues to engage with Russian authorities to ensure Black's access to consular services and legal representation.

The incident underscores the importance of heeding travel advisories issued by the US government regarding destinations with heightened security risks.

Recent events, including Black's detention and previous cases of Americans detained in Russia and North Korea, serve as cautionary tales for US citizens considering travel to these regions, CNN noted.

The detention of American soldier Gordon Black in Russia highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, as well as the risks faced by American citizens abroad.

As diplomatic efforts unfold and legal proceedings progress, the safety and security of Black and other detained Americans remain paramount concerns for both the US government and the international community.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: American soldier detained in Russia; U.S. officials say - From NBC News