UK prosecutors charged Royal Navy member Teddy Young under the National Security Act.
Why it matters: The case involves alleged access to protected defence and intelligence information. It will test offences covering protected information and preparatory conduct under the National Security Act 2023.
- Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young, 24, was arrested at his Bedfordshire home on October 6, 2026.
- The alleged conduct took place between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025.
- The Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges on October 7 under sections 1 and 18 of the National Security Act 2023.
- Police said the case is separate from an investigation near RAF Fairford.
The Metropolitan Police said Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young, a 24-year-old serving Royal Navy member, was arrested at his Bedfordshire home on October 6, 2026, after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. Police said the case is separate from the investigation near RAF Fairford.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorized charges on October 7. The allegations concern conduct between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025, involving protected information and an alleged intention to benefit a foreign power.
Section 1 concerns obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information in circumstances covered by the Act. Section 18 concerns preparatory conduct linked to the disclosure of protected information. The allegations are not proof that the statutory elements of either offence will be established.
Young joined the Royal Navy in April 2024 and allegedly committed the offences during his first deployment, which began on November 4, 2024. He had previously been arrested on May 21, 2025, released on bail, had his security clearance suspended and was removed from his duties, according to Sky News.
The police announcement did not name a foreign power. Reports about an alleged attempt to contact Russian authorities are therefore not treated here as an official identification of the foreign power in the charges.
Under the National Security Act 2023, the section 1 offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment, a fine or both on conviction on indictment. The section 18 offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine or both. Young remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
By the numbers
- 24 - Young's age
- 14 years - Maximum imprisonment term for the section 1 offence
- Life - Maximum imprisonment term for the section 18 offence
Yes, but: The charges remain allegations, and Young is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Police have not officially identified the foreign power referenced in the allegations.