(WASHINGTON) — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia and charged with robbery, according to two U.S. authorities.
U.S. officials said the soldier, Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, was stationed in South Korea and was returning home to Fort Cavazos, Texas. Instead, authorities said he traveled to Russia.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personal details.
Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith confirmed that a soldier was detained Thursday in Vladivostok, a major Pacific military and commercial port, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the Army told the soldier’s family.
“The U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the soldier in Russia,” Smith said.
It was unclear Monday whether the soldier is considered absent without leave or AWOL.
The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King ran to North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea later announced for him to expel Kingwhich was returned to the USA. He ended up being accused of desertion.
Russia is known to hold several Americans in its prisons, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The US government has designated both men as unjustly detained and has attempted to negotiate their release.
Other detainees include Travis Leake, a musician who had lived in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, professor in Moscow, sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationality Also Kurmasheva It is Ksenia Khavana.
The soldier’s arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News.
___ Associated Press reporters Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
