A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged with spying on behalf of an unnamed foreign country, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Teddy Young, aged 24 and hailing from Bedfordshire, faces charges under the National Security Act (NSA). The allegations include obtaining protected information in a manner that could benefit a foreign power.
Young was arrested at his residence in Bedfordshire on Tuesday. He has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads Counter-Terrorism Policing London, described the charges as “very serious” given that they involve a current member of the armed forces. She emphasized that investigators have collaborated closely with the Ministry of Defence to mitigate any potential security risks associated with the case.
The charges encompass a period between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025. Prosecutors allege that Young engaged in conduct preparing to disclose protected information contrary to the act. Additionally, he is accused of obtaining, copying, recording, or retaining such information with the intent to benefit a foreign power, while knowing or reasonably suspecting the actions were prejudicial to UK safety or interests.
Police clarified that these espionage charges are not connected to the recent incident at RAF Fairford. A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed the charge but declined to provide further details, stating it would be inappropriate to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Twenty-four years old. We really need to rethink vetting processes for personnel handling protected data.
Anyone else notice the article specifically says it’s not linked to the RAF Fairford incident? Odd to clarify that so quickly.
Spooked by the dates. November to May? That’s a long runway for alleged espionage activities.
This is incredibly disturbing. How do you trust someone in uniform with sensitive info like this?