A court in Vladivostok arrested an American soldier, Gordon Black. The American is accused of theft and will remain in jail until July 2. Black was arrested in a case of theft causing significant harm to a citizen. On May 3, the Pervomaisky District Court of Vladivostok issued a warrant for his arrest, a court representative said on Tuesday, May 7. The American faces up to five years in prison.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Primorye, Gordon Black came to visit a resident of Vladivostok, whom he met in South Korea, where she worked. “The applicant had a conflict at home with an acquaintance. After he left, the girl discovered the missing money and turned to the police for help,” the press service said.
Russian media report that an American beat his girlfriend and stole about two thousand euros and alcohol from her. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Black's case is not related to politics or espionage, it is an everyday crime. Russia notified the State Department of Black's arrest.
Earlier, the American television company NBC News, citing the press service of the US Army, reported the detention of an American military man “on charges of criminal behavior”, without disclosing details. Now NBC News reports that Black is a US Army sergeant who came to Vladivostok from South Korea without permission from his superiors to meet a woman with whom he is romantically involved.
