Royal Navy Member Charged with Spying for Foreign Power

A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with national security offenses, accused of spying for a foreign power, following an arrest by counter-terrorism police. Teddy Young, 24, was taken into custody in London after being arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday.

Yesterday, he was charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for committing an offense of disclosing protected information and with obtaining, copying, recording, or retaining protected information between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025. These actions were allegedly taken with the intention of benefiting a foreign power, and Young knew or ought to have known that this conduct was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. Both charges are contrary to the National Security Act 2023.

The Metropolitan Police have not disclosed which foreign country Young is alleged to have attempted to assist. However, authorities confirmed that his arrest is unrelated to recent counter-terrorism investigations, including an incident at RAF Fairford.

Young is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today. Commander 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 the investigation has involved close collaboration with operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence to mitigate any potential risks. Flanagan urged the public to avoid further speculation to allow the justice process to proceed unimpeded.