US Army sergeant detained in Russia on theft charges

A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia on criminal charges on May 2, according to Army officials. Officials said the soldier, identified as Staff Sgt. Gordon D. Black, is being accused of theft. Black’s mother said he was visiting his girlfriend at the time of his arrest.

According to the Army, Black was in the process of switching stations from South Korea to Texas, when he traveled to Russia on his own without official permission. 

“On May, 2, 2024, Russian authorities in Vladivostok, Russia, detained an American soldier on charges of criminal misconduct,” the Army said.

According to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, an unnamed source reported that a U.S. Army sergeant based in South Korea met a woman from Vladivostok, Russia, online and lived with her for a while. The report alleges that he assaulted her and stole 200,000 roubles — approximately $2,200.

“When a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, consular officers seek to aid him or her with all appropriate assistance,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We take seriously our commitment to assist U.S. citizens abroad and provide all appropriate assistance.”

This incident comes as tensions continue over other detained Americans in Russia, including former Marine Paul Whelan and journalist Evan Gershkovich; both are being held on espionage charges.

Gershkovich’s trial is set for June 30.