The soldier should have been arrested at the weekend, according to John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council.
Russian authorities say the soldier will be held in custody until early July. He is suspected of theft.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ representative in Vladivostok says that this case is about ordinary criminal activity.
– It has nothing to do with politics or espionage, says the representative, according to Tass.
Accused of theft
Unnamed US officials told NBC News that the soldier was on a private trip in Russia. He is said to have been stationed in South Korea.
In Russia, the soldier is allegedly accused of stealing from a woman. The Russian state news agency Ria reports that the man was arrested in Vladivostok, and that he will remain in custody until 2 July. Ria quotes the court’s press office as saying that the American’s name is Gordon Black.
The AP news agency is informed by American officials that the man was with a Russian woman. She was living in South Korea when she and the American got into some sort of argument, and then left the country, it is further said.
Then Black is said to have gone to Russia without disclosing this. He is said to have been on leave while waiting to return to the United States.
Found naked
In another case, an American civilian has been arrested in Moscow. The man has been identified as William Russel Nycum and will be held in custody for ten days, according to the judiciary in Moscow.
The man is said to have been found outdoors, naked and under the influence of alcohol.
– The incident showed obvious disrespect towards the community, its citizens and public order, the court documents state.
The US embassy in Moscow tells Reuters that it is aware of the arrests of the two Americans.
– The embassy always tries to assist citizens as best we can, but due to personal protection we cannot comment further, says a spokesperson for the embassy.
More imprisoned Americans
The arrests come less than a year after American soldier Travis King ran into North Korea from South Korea. He was later returned to the United States and charged with desertion.
Several Americans are imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. The United States believes both are imprisoned on false grounds and has negotiated to have them released.
