A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged with espionage-related offences following an investigation by counter-terrorism police. Teddy Young, 24, of Bedfordshire, was arrested at his home address on Tuesday. He now faces multiple allegations under the National Security Act (NSA), including the acquisition of protected information that could potentially benefit an unnamed foreign power.
The charges against the service member relate to a period spanning from 26 November 2024 to 21 May 2025. Prosecutors allege that Young engaged in conduct in preparation for disclosing protected information, contrary to the act. Furthermore, it is alleged that he obtained, copied, recorded, or retained protected information with the intention of benefiting a foreign power, while knowing or having reason to believe that such conduct would be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom.
Cdr Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, stated that these are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces. She added that police have worked closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence throughout the investigation to ensure that appropriate measures were taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to the matter. In a related development, a seventh person was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the incident, which remains under active investigation by counter-terror police.
Young has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday. A spokesperson for the Royal Navy confirmed that a service member had been charged, but noted that as legal proceedings are currently ongoing, it would be inappropriate to provide further comment at this stage.
