US Soldier Detained in Russia on Theft Charges: A Complex Case Unfolds

[Social Media]

 

A US soldier finds himself detained in Vladivostok, Russia, facing charges of theft, marking another notable arrest of an American citizen by Russian authorities. Staff Sgt Gordon Black, stationed in South Korea, was apprehended during a trip to Vladivostok, sparking international attention and diplomatic discussions.

 

Amidst concerns over political motivations, both the US army and Russian law enforcement confirm the arrest. Unlike previous cases involving espionage or political crimes, Russian officials assert that this incident is unrelated to political agendas, clarifying that it stems from allegations of theft.

 

Details emerge painting a complex picture of the soldier's situation. Black, married and on a "side trip" after completing his deployment, allegedly traveled to Vladivostok without authorization from his superiors. His encounter with a Russian girlfriend, whom he met in South Korea, took an unexpected turn, leading to accusations of theft after their disagreement.

 

The sequence of events unfolds as Black's girlfriend reports the alleged theft to local authorities, prompting his detention. Despite already purchasing tickets back to the US, the soldier faces pre-trial detention until July 2, pending further legal proceedings.

 

The case highlights the delicate balance between personal relationships, international travel, and legal repercussions. With tensions between the US and Russia already strained, the arrest adds another layer of complexity to diplomatic relations.

 

As negotiations continue between Washington and Moscow, concerns over wrongful detention persist. The case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in 2023, looms large, alongside others deemed to be unlawfully detained. The potential for a hostage exchange underscores the urgency of resolving such cases and preventing further escalation.

 

As the US advises against travel to Russia, the case of Staff Sgt Gordon Black serves as a cautionary tale.

 

2024-05-08

 

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[Tug]

Looks like Putin grabbed another hostage……I for one hope Mr Putin’s days are going to come to an end soon 

[Jingthing]

Sometimes it's worth listening to the State Department's do not travel list!

Exceptions might be Putin loving maga traitor types willing to make propaganda to support the regime painting it is as a haven for (fascist) "traditional" values.

For examples "Expat American" and "Wild Siberia."

 

[johng]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

 a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in 2023, looms large, alongside others deemed to be unlawfully detained.

 

Julian Assange ?

[Chomper Higgot]

There needs to be a medal to recognize this level of stupid amongst serving members of the military.

 

 

[stevenl]

1 hour ago, Tug said:

Looks like Putin grabbed another hostage……I for one hope Mr Putin’s days are going to come to an end soon 

Looking at the story I get the impression the soldier made some stupid mistakes and the detention is of his own doing.

[Emdog]

What did he steal? A ring back from Russian gf? Sounds like a real bottom feeder regarding intelligence level on his part

[Jingthing]

Well this is weird. 

It turns out this fool was spouting pro Kremlin/maga propaganda about the war.

I had thought that would have shielded him.

Oh well.

 

 

[stevenl]

40 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Well this is weird. 

It turns out this fool was spouting pro Kremlin/maga propaganda about the war.

I had thought that would have shielded him.

Oh well.

 

 

I think there is nothing political here. He committed a crime, theft, nothing more to it.

[animalmagic]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

Details emerge painting a complex picture of the soldier's situation. Black, married and on a "side trip" after completing his deployment, allegedly traveled to Vladivostok without authorization from his superiors. His encounter with a Russian girlfriend, whom he met in South Korea, took an unexpected turn, leading to accusations of theft after their disagreement.

Honey trap?

Could have gone worse.  A lawyer from HK was murdered in Vladivostok in 2005 when he attempted to negotiate/pay for the release of his girlfriend from the criminal syndicate that controlled her prostitution.

[chuang]

Half idiot Half moron 😭

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

I think there is nothing political here. He committed a crime, theft, nothing more to it.

In Russia with Americans there everything is political. Wait to see whether he is massively over sentenced and used as a bargaining pawn like the lady footballer was.

[John Drake]

Maybe he said something nasty about Stepan Seagalski

[Srikcir]

8 hours ago, johng said:

 

Julian Assange ?

Lawfully detained by the Metropolitan Police Service in 2019 for failing to surrender to the court over a warrant. Convicted to 12 months in prison, he faces extradition over US charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. https://www.bbc.com

So not similar to Black's arrest.

[johng]

26 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Lawfully detained by the Metropolitan Police Service

If you believe that then there is not much hope for you I'm afraid.

What he did was publish "whistle blower" information that embarrassed the US  government and security state exposing their hypocrisy , torture and spying programs....he should be freed immediately,compensated returned directly to Australia and given the pulitzer prize for outstanding work.

[herfiehandbag]

On 5/8/2024 at 3:19 AM, Social Media said:

 

A US soldier finds himself detained in Vladivostok, Russia, facing charges of theft, marking another notable arrest of an American citizen by Russian authorities. Staff Sgt Gordon Black, stationed in South Korea, was apprehended during a trip to Vladivostok, sparking international attention and diplomatic discussions.

 

Amidst concerns over political motivations, both the US army and Russian law enforcement confirm the arrest. Unlike previous cases involving espionage or political crimes, Russian officials assert that this incident is unrelated to political agendas, clarifying that it stems from allegations of theft.

 

Details emerge painting a complex picture of the soldier's situation. Black, married and on a "side trip" after completing his deployment, allegedly traveled to Vladivostok without authorization from his superiors. His encounter with a Russian girlfriend, whom he met in South Korea, took an unexpected turn, leading to accusations of theft after their disagreement.

 

The sequence of events unfolds as Black's girlfriend reports the alleged theft to local authorities, prompting his detention. Despite already purchasing tickets back to the US, the soldier faces pre-trial detention until July 2, pending further legal proceedings.

 

The case highlights the delicate balance between personal relationships, international travel, and legal repercussions. With tensions between the US and Russia already strained, the arrest adds another layer of complexity to diplomatic relations.

 

As negotiations continue between Washington and Moscow, concerns over wrongful detention persist. The case of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in 2023, looms large, alongside others deemed to be unlawfully detained. The potential for a hostage exchange underscores the urgency of resolving such cases and preventing further escalation.

 

As the US advises against travel to Russia, the case of Staff Sgt Gordon Black serves as a cautionary tale.

 

2024-05-08

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

 

As a serving US senior NCO, a dirty weekend in Vladivostok was probably, on balance, not a good idea. A Russian girlfriend? Didn't they used to call it a "honey trap"?

 

I wonder if he is employed in an "area of interest" for the Russians? Mind you, since Lance Corporals in the National Guard seem to be able to splash secret material all over the internet, I also wonder why they bothered

[Jingthing]

Enemy nation.

Stay away unless you're a traitor.