A 24-year-old Royal Navy serviceman has appeared in court facing charges under the National Security Act that he gathered secret information in his role in a warfare intelligence unit and prepared to disclose protected information to a foreign power, allegedly Russia.
Teddy Young was charged with one charge of preparing to disclose protected information and another that he “obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power”.
A summary of the allegations identified the power as Russia.
While there have been several arrests under the National Security Act, passed in 2023, on suspicion of acting on behalf of Russia, this is the first known case to involve a serving member of the UK armed forces allegedly preparing to disclose protected information to the country.
The charges come at a time of heightened sensitivity across Europe about confrontation with Russia as President Vladimir Putin’s government seeks to react to western support for Ukraine.
Young appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at noon on Thursday.
A summary of the allegations provided to reporters and referred to in court said that, while serving as a Royal Navy Warfare Intelligence rating with high-level security clearance and intelligence-system access, Young “accessed and retained” sensitive UK defence and intelligence material. It is also alleged that he engaged in activity consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power.
During a brief hearing, Young, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and sweatpants, spoke only to confirm his name and age.
There was no bail application and District Judge Annabel Pilling remanded Young in custody, with his next court appearance set to be at the Old Bailey on October 16.
Announcing Young’s arrest, Counter Terrorism Policing London said the incident was unrelated to the September 27 incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the charges were “very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces”.
She added: “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.”