A Royal Navy service member, Teddy Young, 24, has been charged with offences under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act over alleged spying activities on behalf of an unnamed foreign power.
Young, who is from Bedfordshire, was arrested at his home in the county on Tuesday and has been remanded in custody.
He is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Police allege that the offences occurred between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025, and involved preparations to disclose protected information to a foreign power.
According to the charges, Young allegedly obtained, copied, recorded or retained protected information with the intention of benefiting a foreign power.
Police also allege that he knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that his actions could be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, described the allegations as serious, particularly because Young is a serving member of the armed forces.
She said investigators had worked closely with operational colleagues at the Ministry of Defence during the investigation to ensure measures were taken to reduce any potential risks linked to the case.
The police clarified that the charges were not connected to the recent incident at RAF Fairford.
The Royal Navy confirmed that a service member had been charged but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
