Royal Navy Sailor Charged with Spying for Russia Under National Security Act
A 24-year-old Royal Navy sailor has been charged under the UK's National Security Act over allegations that he prepared to pass sensitive defense and intelligence information to a foreign power. Able Seaman Teddy Young, a warfare intelligence specialist, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday. He is accused of retaining protected UK defense and intelligence material and preparing to disclose it with the intention of benefiting a foreign power.
The allegations against Young include translating a message into Russian and searching for an online portal where information could be submitted to Russia. Young had security clearance and access to intelligence systems, and he faces two charges relating to protected information. The alleged offenses took place between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025.
The Crown Prosecution Service stated that Young allegedly accessed and retained sensitive UK defense and intelligence material while serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating and engaged in activity consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power. He was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday by counter-terrorism police and was remanded in custody by District Judge Annabel Pilling. Young is due to appear at the Old Bailey, the UK's Central Criminal Court, on October 16.
Case Closed
This case marks a significant moment as Young is the first member of the UK armed forces to be charged under the National Security Act 2023. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized the seriousness of the charges, given that they involve a serving member of the armed forces. She noted that police had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence during the investigation to mitigate any potential risks.
A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that a service member had been charged but refrained from commenting further while legal proceedings are ongoing. Police clarified that the allegations against Young are not connected to a recent incident at RAF Fairford, where seven men were arrested and later released on bail following reports of suspicious activity near the airbase.
