Royal Navy Sailor Charged With Spying for Foreign Power

Court sketch of Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young in Westminster magistrates' court in London Photo credit: Elizabeth Cook/PA

A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged under the UK’s National Security Act after being accused of obtaining and retaining protected information that could benefit a foreign power. The man identified as 24 year old Teddy Young from Bedfordshire, was arrested at his home on Tuesday following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Young is accused of offences allegedly committed between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025. Police allege that he engaged in conduct in preparation for disclosing protected information and also obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information with the intention of benefiting a foreign power. He was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and has been remanded in custody.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges, which were brought under sections of the National Security Act 2023. The legislation covers offences involving the disclosure or handling of protected information where there is an alleged connection to a foreign power. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the allegations as serious, particularly because Young is a serving member of the armed forces.

Police said investigators have worked closely with the Ministry of Defence throughout the case to ensure measures were taken to manage any potential risks arising from the investigation. The Royal Navy confirmed that one of its service members had been charged but declined to comment further because legal proceedings are ongoing.

Authorities have also stressed that the case is not connected to the separate investigation surrounding RAF Fairford, where several people were arrested following suspicious activity near the Gloucestershire airbase. Young was previously arrested in connection with the investigation in 2025, according to reports, before being arrested again at his Bedfordshire home this week.

The latest case comes amid heightened concerns in Britain and across Europe about espionage, foreign interference and the protection of sensitive military and government information. Young has not been convicted of any offence. The allegations will now be tested through the criminal justice process, and police have urged against further speculation while the case proceeds.