US Soldier Gordon Black Charged with Theft and Detained in Russia, Creating Diplomatic Tension
A US soldier named Gordon Black, who traveled to Russia without authorization, has been detained in Vladivostok until July 2 after being charged with theft causing significant damage to a Russian citizen.
The Pentagon has warned against all travel to Russia, and Black's detention presents a diplomatic issue for the US.
He was arrested in early May and the court decided to detain him to prevent him from hiding during the investigation.
A 34-year-old American soldier identified as Gordon Black was arrested in Vladivostok, Russia, after a woman filed a complaint accusing him of stealing money.
The two had met in South Korea and had an argument.
Black had traveled to Russia without authorization from the Army and had passed through China before his arrest.
The Pentagon confirmed the soldier's unauthorized travel and added that he was in violation of Army regulations.