Royal Navy Service Member Charged with Spying for a Foreign Country

A serving Royal Navy member has been charged with spying for an unnamed foreign country after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. Teddy Young, 24, from Bedfordshire, faces two offenses under the National Security Act 2023 involving protected information and preparations to disclose it. The allegations remain unproven.

Police arrested Young at his home on Tuesday, October 6, and held him in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 8. According to the BBC report, the charges cover alleged conduct between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025.

Royal Navy Service Member Charged

The first charge alleges that Young engaged in conduct preparing to disclose protected information, contrary to Section 18 of the National Security Act. The second alleges that he obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending his conduct to benefit a foreign power, contrary to Section 1.

Police allege that the conduct involved a purpose Young knew, or should reasonably have known, was harmful to the United Kingdom’s safety or interests. Authorities have not publicly named the foreign country or described the information involved. The published reports do not establish that information was successfully transferred abroad.

Under Section 1 of the National Security Act, protected information includes information, documents or other material whose access is restricted, or reasonably expected to be restricted, to protect UK safety or interests. The definition is not limited to digital files, making the distinction important for cybersecurity readers.

The Associated Press reported that Young was previously arrested on May 21, 2025, and released on bail while inquiries continued. His security clearance was suspended at that time, and he was removed from his duties. Those measures restricted his role while investigators examined the allegations.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces.” She said investigators worked closely with Ministry of Defence colleagues to reduce potential risks. The Royal Navy confirmed the case but declined further comment during ongoing proceedings.

Espionage investigations can involve trusted access rather than an outside network attack. However, the reporting does not identify malware, a hacked system or a digital transfer method in Young’s case. Cybersecurity News’ coverage of defence-sector espionage and insider threats provides related context, not evidence about these allegations.

Police explicitly said Young’s charges are unrelated to the separate RAF Fairford investigation, where suspicious activity near the base led to seven arrests. Young’s court proceedings will determine how the allegations are tested.

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