Brandon Tyner case: US Army officer held in UK on Russia spying suspicion

A U.S. Army officer held in the United Kingdom on suspicion of spying for Russia is expected to face British charges soon, according to a U.S. official. The official said no protected material was passed to Moscow. The case involves Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Tyner, who was arrested earlier in the week.

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A second U.S. official confirmed Tyner’s name and said Tyner had previously served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Qatar. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitive military issues. The first official said the next step is a British charging decision, likely on Sunday or Monday.

Brandon Tyner charges and US military justice plan

After British charges are filed, U.S. authorities plan to pursue the case under the U.S. military justice system, the official said. The same official said the inquiry found that "No information made it into Russian hands.\" The timing described points to court action in Britain first.

Brandon Tyner arrest details and UK police investigation

Tyner was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of helping a foreign intelligence service. Police also suspect Tyner obtained or shared protected information. The Metropolitan Police announced the arrest and said counter-terrorism officers worked closely with the FBI and the U.S. military during the investigation.

Brandon Tyner NATO posting at Imjin Barracks near Gloucester

Before the arrest, Tyner served as a senior human resources officer. Tyner was assigned to a NATO unit at Imjin Barracks near Gloucester, England. Tyner worked within NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, a multinational land formation designed for crisis response and short-notice operations.

Brandon Tyner NATO unit makeup and command structure

According to the unit’s website, the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps includes forces from 20 nations. The website also states the corps is led by the British. The role of the unit is to provide a ready land headquarters for NATO tasks when fast action is needed.

Brandon Tyner case not linked to other counter-terrorism probes

Police said the arrest was not connected to other counter-terrorism investigations. This included no link to a suspected Iran-related terror plot reported in September. That earlier suspected plot was tied to RAF Fairford, a U.S.-run base in Britain near Gloucester.

U.S. officials said the investigation found no protected information reached Russia. British prosecutors are expected to file charges against Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Tyner on Sunday or Monday. After that stage, U.S. authorities intend to seek action through the U.S. military justice system, while UK police continue their work.

With inputs from PTI