From the Nigeria Magazine Desk
A 24-year-old serving member of the Royal Navy has appeared in a London court after being charged under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act over allegations that he obtained and prepared to disclose protected information to a foreign power.
Teddy Young, a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating, was arrested at his home in Bedfordshire on October 6 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
Young faces two charges relating to alleged offences committed between November 2024 and May 2025. Prosecutors allege that he obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information intending to benefit a foreign power and also engaged in conduct in preparation for disclosing protected information.
Alleged Links to Russia
Although police initially referred only to an unnamed foreign power, prosecutors’ allegations reported in court identified Russia as the alleged intended recipient.
According to reports, Young held high-level security clearance and access to UK defence and intelligence systems through his role in the Royal Navy. He is alleged to have accessed and retained sensitive material and taken steps towards passing protected information to a foreign power.
Reports from the court proceedings also allege that Young used the dark web to try to make contact with Russian authorities and drafted a message in Russian containing classified information.
Previous Arrest
The latest arrest was not Young’s first encounter with investigators.
He was previously arrested in May 2025 and released on bail while the investigation continued. His security clearance was subsequently suspended and he was removed from his duties.
Counter Terrorism Policing London later arrested him again at his home on October 6 before charging him under the National Security Act 2023.
Court Appearance
Young appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 8. He was not required to enter a plea during the hearing because of the seriousness of the charges.
The case was sent to the Old Bailey, where Young is scheduled to appear on October 16. He was remanded in custody.
The Royal Navy confirmed that a serving member had been charged but said it would not comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Authorities have also stressed that the investigation is not connected to a separate security investigation involving RAF Fairford.
The allegations against Young have not been proven in court, and the case remains ongoing.
