ROYAL NAVY SERVICEMAN CHARGED WITH SPYING UNDER NATIONAL SECURITY ACT

A serving member of the Royal Navy, named as Teddy Young, has been charged with offences under the National Security Act following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. He was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire this week, with one account giving the date as 6 October and another saying he was held the following day. Young is accused of obtaining protected information that could benefit an unnamed foreign power. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. He was due to appear at Westminster magistrates' court on Thursday.

The charges allege that between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, Young engaged in conduct preparatory to disclosing protected information, in breach of the National Security Act. It is further alleged that during this period he obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the charges were "very serious" against a serving member of the armed forces. She said officers had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence throughout the investigation to help mitigate any risks linked to the case. A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed a member of the service had been charged but said it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings continue.

Police said the case is not connected to the investigation into a suspected security incident at RAF Fairford on 27 September, over which seven men were arrested. Six of those men have been released on bail and none has been charged, police said. The identity of the foreign power Young is alleged to have intended to benefit has not been disclosed. The case will proceed through Westminster magistrates' court, where further hearings are expected.