Serving member of armed forces charged with spying offences
It follows an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Last updated 15 hours ago
A 24-year-old man has been charged with National Security Act offences after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Teddy Young, a member of the Royal Navy, was arrested at his home address in Bedfordshire on Tuesday, 6 October and then taken into custody in London.
On Wednesday, 7 October, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the following charges:
He's accused of, between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, engaging in conduct in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act 2023.
He's also accused of, between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power, knowing or having regard to other matters known to him ought reasonably to know was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, contrary to section 1 of the National Security Act 2023.
'Serious charges'
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces. We have 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.
“It is important now that any further speculation on this case is avoided and so that the case can progress through the courts and the justice process not be impeded in any way.”
Young has been remanded in police custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 8 October.
The arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with National Security Act (NSA) offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”