Counter-terrorism police have charged a 24-year-old serving member of the Royal Navy from Clapham with plotting to spy for Russia.
Able seaman Teddy Young appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday) facing offences under the National Security Act.
Read: Royal Navy sailor from Bedfordshire charged with spying
He is formally charged with preparing to disclose protected information and obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information intending to benefit a foreign power.
The 24-year-old, who specialised in warfare intelligence, allegedly retained UK defence and intelligence material that he had access to.
Court appearance
As reported by the BBC, wearing a police-issue grey sweatshirt, Young spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and his address in Clapham, near Bedford.
The court heard allegations that the junior sailor translated a message into Russian and searched for a web portal inviting people to submit information to Russia.
He is the first member of the armed forces to be charged under the new National Security Act 2023.
The Crown Prosecution Service provided the court with a written summary of the allegations.
The Crown Prosecution Service stated, “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.”
Police statements
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.”
Police confirmed the alleged offences, which cover a period between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025, are not related to a recent investigation at RAF Fairford.
“As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage,” a Royal Navy spokesperson added.
Judge Annabel Pilling remanded Young in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey next week (16 October).
