Over the weekend, Russia arrested US Soldier, Staff Sgt Gordon Black, in Vladivostok, Russia for theft (“Criminal Misconduct”). It is alleged that he stole money from a woman whom he went to see in Vladivostok. But many are wondering if the whole arrest was a setup from the beginning.

Someday we hope that US citizens will understand the concept of a “honey trap.”

SSG Black was stationed in South Korea where he met the Russian woman. He was reportedly on leave when he was arrested as he went to visit her in Russia. SSG Black was married at one time to another woman and reportedly has a child, according to the Associated Press.

NSC spokesperson John Kirby says the White House is aware of reporting that a U.S. soldier was detained in Russia over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/t5v4GL8EFh

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“The (Russian) court identified the soldier as Gordon Black and said he would be detained at least until July 2, according to RIA news agency. The U.S. Army, which said on Monday it had been informed about the detention, has not identified the soldier. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the soldier had been based in South Korea.

The Russian interior ministry in Vladivostok said a 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint against the 34-year-old suspect.

The two had met in South Korea. The American had come to Vladivostok to visit her, the two had an argument, and she later filed a police report accusing him of stealing money, it said. He was arrested in a local hotel, having bought a plane ticket to return home.” Reuters

The problem here is that the US State Department issued a warning for Americans NOT to go to Russia after Putin invaded Ukraine. The tensions between the US and Russia have been tight since that invasion.  Russia arrested several Americans over recent years, from Paul Whelan to Evan Gershkovich.

These are red flags that SSG Black should have heeded. The Russian court claims that Black created “significant damage” to the complainant by stealing from her. It reeks of a setup.

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