Royal Navy Member Charged with Spying for Foreign Power

A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with spying for an undisclosed foreign power, London police announced. Teddy Young, 24, is accused of preparing to disclose protected information and obtaining, copying, recording, or retaining such information for the benefit of a foreign power between November 2024 and May 2025.

Young appeared at Westminster Magistrate’s Court in central London on Thursday to face two offenses under the National Security Act. He has been in police custody since his arrest on Tuesday at his home in Bedfordshire, north of London.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter terrorism policing in London, stated, “These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces.” She added, “We have worked extremely closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defense as our investigation has progressed to ensure appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter.”

Police confirmed that the charges are not related to a separate security alert on September 27 near RAF Fairford, a British air base utilized by U.S. bombers. That incident led to the arrest of seven men after suspicious vans were discovered near the base.

Young was previously arrested on May 21, 2025, and released on bail. At that time, his security clearance was suspended, and he was removed from his duties. The Royal Navy acknowledged the arrest of a service member but declined further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings.