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Royal Navy serviceman charged with spying for foreign power

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 08:44 · Archive

A 24-year-old Royal Navy serviceman has been charged with National Security Act offences after a counter-terrorism investigation.

A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged with National Security Act offences following a counter-terrorism investigation. Teddy Young, 24, from Bedfordshire, was arrested at his home on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody in London.

Young faces two charges under the National Security Act 2023. The first alleges he engaged in conduct in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information. The second charge alleges he obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power. Both charges relate to the period between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025.

The charges also allege that Young's conduct was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces.' She emphasised that officers had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence throughout the investigation to ensure any potential risks were appropriately managed.

Flanagan added: 'It is important now that any further speculation on this case is avoided so that the case can progress through the courts and the justice process not be impeded in any way.'

Police stressed that the investigation and charges are not connected to the recent incident at RAF Fairford. A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that a service member had been charged and said that as legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

The National Security Act 2023, which came into force last year, created a series of new offences designed to counter espionage, foreign interference and other threats to national security.

Royal Navy serviceman charged with spying for foreign power
Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

In this story: Teddy Young · Royal Navy · Counter Terrorism Policing London · Ministry of Defence · Helen Flanagan · Westminster Magistrates' Court · Bedfordshire · RAF Fairford

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