Royal Navy member, 24, charged under National Security Act

Teddy Young, a 24-year-old member of the Royal Navy, has been charged with offences under the National Security Act 2023, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Young was arrested at home on 6 October after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London and was then taken into custody in London, the force said. On 7 October, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges.

The first charge alleges that between 26 November 2024 and 21 May 2025 Young engaged in conduct “in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information”, contrary to section 18 of the Act.

The second charge covers the same dates and alleges that Young obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information, “intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power”, contrary to section 1 of the Act.

The wording of that charge adds a further element: “knowing or having regard to other matters known to him ought reasonably to know was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom”.

The Metropolitan Police did not name the foreign power in its announcement.

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

Flanagan said officers had worked “extremely closely” with relevant operational colleagues in the Ministry of Defence as the investigation progressed, so that “appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter”.

Young has been remanded in police custody and, the Met said, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 8 October.

A charge is an accusation, not a finding of guilt.

Flanagan asked that “any further speculation on this case is avoided” so that the case can progress through the courts.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford. The incident followed reports of suspicious activity near the base, seven men were arrested and later released on bail, and counter-terrorism police are investigating, the BBC reported.

The same report quoted a Royal Navy spokesperson, who confirmed that a service member had been charged: “As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”