An American soldier was arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, US officials say

WASHINGTON — An American soldier has been arrested in Russia on suspicion of theft, according to two US officials.

The soldier, who is not identified, was stationed in South Korea and was in the process of returning to the United States. Instead, officials said he traveled to Russia.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.

Cynthia Smith, an Army spokeswoman, confirmed that a soldier was detained Thursday in Vladivostok, a major military and commercial port in the Pacific, on charges of criminal misconduct. She said Russia notified the U.S. and the military 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 US soldier Travis King sprinted into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea later announced it would expel King, who was sent back to the US. He was eventually charged with desertion.

Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its prisons, including corporate security director Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The US government has classified both as unlawfully detained and has attempted to negotiate their release.

Others arrested include Travis Leake, a longtime Russia-based musician who was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also for drug abuse; and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana.

The soldier’s arrest in Russia was first reported by NBC News.

___ Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker contributed to this report.