Royal Navy member charged with ‘spying for foreign power’

A member of the Royal Navy has been accused of spying for a foreign power after a counter-terror investigation.

Teddy Young, 24, has been charged with offences under the National Security Act, including having “obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power”.

He was arrested at home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday and then taken into custody in London. The 24-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Police said the arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford.

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

“It is important now that any further speculation on this case is avoided and so that the case can progress through the courts and the justice process not be impeded in any way.”

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