By Trend News Line 2024-05-08 15:31:13.
A US Army soldier stationed in North Korea, Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, has been detained in Russia on suspicion of theft. The Russian foreign ministry stated that the charges against him were not related to politics or espionage. However, the US Army is investigating whether Black was lured to Russia by Russian intelligence services.
**Background of the Soldier**
Black enlisted in the US Army as an infantryman in 2008. He served in Iraq in 2009, Afghanistan in 2013, and was most recently stationed at the Eighth Army, US Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. On April 10, he signed out of the Eighth Army for a permanent change of station to return to Fort Cavazos in Texas. Instead of heading back to the US, he travelled to China from Korea and then to Vladivostok, Russia.
**The Incident**
Black was detained at a hotel in Vladivostok after a 32-year-old woman, with whom he was romantically involved, filed a complaint with the police regarding a theft following an argument. The woman, who remains unnamed, had met Black in South Korea, and they kept in touch online after she returned to Vladivostok. According to the Russian interior ministry, the woman discovered missing money after an argument with Black and reported it to the police.
**Legal Consequences**
The Russian police found Black in a hotel in Vladivostok, where he had purchased airline tickets to fly back home. He is currently in pre-trial detention until July 2. The Russian media reported that an unidentified source claimed Black had beaten the woman and stolen 200,000 Russian rubles ($2,200).
**Unauthorized Travel**
The Pentagon stated that Black’s travel to both China and Russia was unauthorized. The Army has opened an administrative investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his travel. The US State Department advises against all travel to Russia, citing potential harassment and detention of US citizens by Russian security officials.
**Other Americans Detained in Russia**
Apart from Black, at least two other Americans are currently detained in Russia. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been detained since March 2023 on espionage charges. Former US Marine Paul Whelan was accused of spying and sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020.
**Conclusion**
The incident involving Staff Sergeant Gordon Black highlights the complexities and risks associated with international relationships and unauthorized travel. The ongoing investigation by both the US Army and Russian authorities will shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his detention in Russia. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper protocols and regulations while serving in the military and travelling abroad..
US Army soldier detained in Russia
US Army soldier detained Russia.