A Royal Navy sailor has appeared in court charged with attempting to pass classified information to Russia. Teddy Young, 24, who held the rank of able seaman and worked in naval intelligence, was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday by counter-terrorism police as part of an ongoing investigation. He faces two charges under the National Security Act 2023 related to obtaining and preparing to disclose protected information with the intent to benefit a foreign power.
Young joined the Royal Navy as a warfare intelligence rating in April 2024 and reportedly committed the alleged offences during his first deployment, which began in November of the same year. Prosecutors allege that he abused his high-level security clearance to access sensitive UK defence and intelligence material. It is claimed he drafted a message in Russian containing classified information and took steps to contact Russian authorities, including using the dark web and copying information to a private email account, actions which violated Navy rules.
At a brief hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Young confirmed his name and age but did not enter a plea. District Judge Annabel Pilling remanded him in custody, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of absconding or committing further offences if bail were granted. The case was referred to the Old Bailey, where Young is scheduled to appear on October 16.
Counter Terrorism Policing London, which led the investigation, described the charges as “very serious” and said it worked closely with Ministry of Defence colleagues to mitigate potential risks associated with the case. Commander Helen Flanagan emphasized that the investigation is separate from a recent incident at RAF Fairford and encouraged the public and media to avoid speculation to ensure the judicial process proceeds without impediment.
Neighbours described Young as a polite and fitness-oriented individual who lived with his mother in the village of Clapham, on the outskirts of Bedford. Reports indicate that following his initial arrest last year, Young was suspended and placed on gardening leave, during which he had no access to sensitive information.
The Royal Navy declined further comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed all details of the investigation but noted that Young’s alleged activities occurred between November 2024 and May 2025. The case marks one of the first known instances involving a serving UK armed forces member charged with preparing to disclose protected information to Russia amid heightened tensions in Europe related to Russian-Western relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.