Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young charged with spying offenses

Royal Navy National Security Act espionage charges counter-terrorism intelligence leak

Teddy Young, a 24-year-old serving member of the Royal Navy, has been charged with two offenses under the National Security Act 2023. The charges follow an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Authorities allege that between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025, Young obtained, copied, recorded, or retained protected information with the intent to benefit a foreign power. Court documents suggest the sailor, a warfare intelligence specialist, may have been preparing to spy for Russia. Specific allegations include drafting a message in Russian containing classified information and attempting to contact Russian authorities via the dark web.

Young was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Police have clarified that this investigation is entirely separate from a recent incident at the RAF Fairford airbase. Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the charges as “very serious” and noted close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence to mitigate potential risks.

Entities

Counter Terror Policing · Counter Terrorism Policing London · Metropolitan Police · Metropolitan Police Service · Ministry of Defence · Royal Navy · Teddy Young · Westminster Magistrates’ Court

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 12 SOURCES] Young allegedly obtained, copied, recorded, or retained protected information to benefit a foreign power. haitigazette.com · n1info.rs · jamaicainquirer.com · www.imolaoggi.it · www.brandonsun.com · +7 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Young allegedly drafted a message in Russian containing classified information to contact Russian authorities. www.g4media.ro · www.standard.co.uk
[● 12 SOURCES] The investigation is not related to the recent incident at RAF Fairford airbase. haitigazette.com · jamaicainquirer.com · www.imolaoggi.it · www.g4media.ro · www.gbnews.com · +7 more
[● 12 SOURCES] The alleged offences occurred between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025. n1info.rs · www.g4media.ro · www.gbnews.com · www.upday.com · www.bild.de · +7 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Young allegedly used the dark web to attempt contact with Russian authorities. www.standard.co.uk
[● 12 SOURCES] Young is accused of engaging in conduct preparatory to disclosing protected information. www.gbnews.com · www.standard.co.uk · haitigazette.com · n1info.rs · www.dimokratia.gr · +7 more
[● 2 SOURCES] The sailor is accused of preparing to spy for Russia. www.g4media.ro · www.standard.co.uk
[● 12 SOURCES] Teddy Young, 24, has been charged with two offenses under the National Security Act. haitigazette.com · n1info.rs · jamaicainquirer.com · www.imolaoggi.it · www.brandonsun.com · +7 more