UK: Royal Navy member charged with obtaining protected information to benefit a foreign power

UK counter-terrorism police have arrested and charged a member of the Royal Navy who is accused of working for an unnamed foreign power, Al Jazeera reports, citing Reuters. Teddy Young, 24, faces two offences under the National Security Act 2023: obtaining protected information, and preparing to transfer it for the benefit of a foreign power.

According to the authorities’ statement, 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 National Security Act 2023”. He was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Thursday, October 8. UK media reported that he was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday, October 6, before being taken into custody in London.

“These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces,” said Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. “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,” she added.

Police clarified that the case is not related to the ongoing investigation into an incident at the RAF Fairford air base. Geopolitiki has reported on that episode: Trump on bombers withdrawn from RAF Fairford.