Royal Navy serviceman accused of spying for foreign power

A Royal Navy serviceman has been charged with spying for a foreign country, believed to be Russia, after an investigation by counter terror police.

Able Seaman Teddy Young, 24, was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday and then taken into custody in London.

He was previously arrested in May 2025 and released on bail pending an investigation.

Young is facing charges that between November 2024 and May 2025 he "engaged in conduct in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act 2023".

Between the same dates, it is also alleged he "obtained, copied, recorded or retained 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".

The police statement does not name a specific country. However, Sky News understands that Russia will be named in court documents.

Young has been remanded in police custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford.

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Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, a branch of the Metropolitan Police, 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."

A Royal Navy spokesperson 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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Royal Navy serviceman accused of spying for foreign power