A serving Royal Navy sailor accused of preparing to spy for Russia has appeared in court, becoming the first member of the UK armed forces to face charges under the National Security Act 2023.
Able Seaman Teddy Young, 24, who specialised in warfare intelligence, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his address in Clapham, near Bedford, wearing a grey police-issue sweatshirt.
He faces two charges: engaging in conduct in preparation for disclosing protected information, and obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information, with the intention that the conduct would benefit a foreign power. The alleged conduct covers the period between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025.
In a written summary of the allegations presented to the court, the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The allegation is that while serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating with high level security clearance and intelligence-system access, Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young accessed and retained sensitive UK defence and intelligence material and engaged in activity consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power.”
The BBC understands the allegations against Young include translating a message into Russian and searching for a web portal that invited people to submit information to Russia.
Young was arrested at his home address in Bedfordshire on Tuesday.
Police said the alleged offences were unconnected to the recent incident at RAF Fairford, where suspicious activity was reported near the base. Counter-terror police are investigating that incident, in connection with which seven men have been arrested and subsequently released on bail.
Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces.”
She added that officers had “worked extremely closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence as our investigation has progressed to ensure appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter”.
A Royal Navy spokesperson confirmed that a service member had been charged, adding: “As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
Judge Annabel Pilling remanded Young in custody. He is due to appear next at the Old Bailey on 16 October.
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