An American soldier was arrested last week in Vladivostok, Russia’s far east, for “criminal misconduct.” The US military has confirmed the arrest.
The identity of the soldier has not been revealed, although several American media report that it is 34-year-old Gordon Black.
Black is said to have traveled to Vladivostok to meet a woman for ‘romantic reasons’. He made the journey without the knowledge and permission of his superiors. The soldier was previously stationed in South Korea for the US. When his mission there was over, he left for Russia.
Theft
The man is currently officially in custody for allegedly robbing a woman. It is not clear whether it is the same woman with whom he is said to have agreed. He will be in pre-trial detention until at least July 1.
Russia has informed the US State Department of the arrest. The ministry is providing consular support to the soldier and has informed the family.
Travel Alerts
The US has recently called on its citizens several times not to travel to Russia for security reasons. Americans who were already in Russia were also advised to leave the country.
That these warnings are not in vain is evident from the fact that several Americans are being held captive in Russia. A prominent prisoner is Evan Gershkovich, the journalist for The Wall Street Journal who was arrested on suspicion of espionage.
Gershkovich has been in custody since March 29 last year, and in February this year Russian President Putin announced that he believed the journalist’s release could be negotiated. “There is no taboo to settle this issue,” Putin told an American interviewer.
Yet Gershkovich remains incarcerated to this day. His pre-trial detention has been extended several times, the last time until the end of next month.
Tags: American soldier arrested Russia wanted visit girlfriend RTL News
