Latvian Nationals Arrested at US Intelligence Base in UK; Russia Probe Underway

Police are investigating whether Russia may be behind a security breach at a British Royal Air Force (RAF) base used by U.S. military intelligence. Two Latvian men were arrested early Wednesday morning after they allegedly broke through the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 2 a.m., has raised concerns about potential state-sponsored espionage, particularly given the base's role as a center for American intelligence operations in Europe and Africa, as well as serving as a NATO intelligence hub.

Authorities were alerted when Ministry of Defence security patrols discovered an abandoned vehicle near the base perimeter around 10 p.m. Wednesday, following a conference on Russia held at the base earlier that week. A subsequent search revealed a hole in the fence. The two men, identified as UK-based Latvian nationals aged 36 and 32, were apprehended within the grounds.

They were initially detained on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. However, their arrest was later escalated to suspicion of an offense under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which pertains to entering a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the United Kingdom. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing.

Specialist explosive ordnance disposal officers were called to examine the abandoned vehicle but found nothing suspicious, and a police cordon was lifted. Officials stated that this incident is not currently linked to a separate investigation at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where five men were arrested last month near the base.

While police are exploring the possibility that the men acted as proxies for a hostile state, they are maintaining an open mind regarding their motives. The inquiry comes shortly after the U.S. withdrew B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford due to concerns about a potential Iran-led attack.

Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London acknowledged the heightened awareness around military sites but emphasized that there is currently no indication of a connection to the RAF Fairford events. Searches are reportedly underway at two addresses in the Peterborough area in connection with the RAF Molesworth investigation.

A spokesperson for U.S. European Command stated that they will continue to assess the threat environment surrounding their installations and implement appropriate protective measures. The Ministry of Defence affirmed its high vigilance against potential threats to defense sites and its close cooperation with police and allies to ensure security.