A junior Royal Navy intelligence specialist from Bedfordshire accused of attempting to pass military secrets to Russia appeared in court on Thursday.
Teddy Young, 24, is accused of misusing his high‑level security clearance to access classified defence and intelligence data while posted on a warship.
The naval rating also allegedly attempted to contact Russian authorities directly, drafting a Russian‑language message containing classified information he hoped to share.
Young was arrested at his Bedfordshire home on Tuesday following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London (CTPL). He has been charged with offences under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan police said.
The intelligence specialist was first arrested in May last year, suspended and placed on gardening leave until his latest arrest. He is the first member of the British armed forces to be charged under the National Security Act 2023.
Young appeared at Westminster magistrates court wearing a grey navy tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address in the village of Clapham, near Bedford. No bail application was made, and the district judge indicated it would be denied.
Presiding magistrate Annabel Pilling told Young: “Based on the information I have read, there are substantial grounds to believe that if granted bail you would not return to court, would attempt to avoid further appearances, and would commit further offences.”
Young was remanded in custody and will appear before a specialist judge at the Old Bailey on 16 October.
The Crown Prosecution Service said that between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, Young engaged in conduct preparatory to disclosing protected information.
It is also alleged that during the same period he obtained, copied, recorded, or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTPL, said in a pre‑court statement: “These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces. We have worked closely with Ministry of Defence colleagues throughout the investigation to ensure appropriate risk‑mitigation measures.”
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “A member of the Royal Navy has been charged with National Security Act offences following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford.
