Royal Navy Able Seaman Teddy Young charged under National Security Act
Able Seaman Teddy Young, 24, has been charged with two offences under the National Security Act 2023 — obtaining protected information to benefit a foreign power, and preparing to disclose it — and is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Royal Navy Able Seaman Teddy Young, 24, has been charged with two offences under the National Security Act 2023 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London, part of the Metropolitan Police, which announced the charges on Thursday Reuters.
The charges allege that between November 2024 and May 2025, Young “obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power”, contrary to section 1 of the Act Al Jazeera. He also faces a charge of having “engaged in conduct in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information” over the same period, contrary to section 18 Classic FM.
Police did not name the foreign power, though Sky News understands Russia will be named in court documents Classic FM. Young was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday and taken into custody in London; remanded in police custody, he is due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday. An Able Seaman is the Navy’s most junior rank Classic FM.
Young was previously arrested in May 2025 and released on bail; Sky News understands his security clearance was suspended and he was removed from duties at the time Classic FM. The Times understands he worked in the Navy’s intelligence branch.
“These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces,” said Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London Reuters. Police confirmed the case is not connected to the recent investigation at RAF Fairford airbase Reuters.
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