British police announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that they have charged a serving member of the Royal Navy with two offences under the National Security Act. Teddy Young, 24, of Bedfordshire, is accused of obtaining protected information and preparing to disclose it to benefit a foreign power. Young was arrested at his home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
The charges follow a collaborative investigation between counter-terrorism officials and the Ministry of Defence. According to Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, the agencies worked together to implement measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the case as the investigation progressed. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The specific allegations against Young cover a period between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025. During this time, police allege Young engaged in conduct to prepare for the disclosure of protected information and that he obtained, copied, recorded, or retained such information with the intent to benefit a foreign power. Authorities have not publicly identified the foreign power involved in the case.
The Metropolitan Police noted that these charges are separate from a recent investigation into an incident at the RAF Fairford airbase involving potential drone activity. Young was remanded in police custody and scheduled to make his initial appearance at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court later on Thursday, October 8, 2026.