Royal Navy serviceman charged with obtaining information to benefit foreign power
Teddy Young, a 24-year-old Royal Navy intelligence specialist, has been charged under the National Security Act 2023 for allegedly attempting to pass classified information to Russia. He is the first member of the British armed forces to face charges under this specific legislation.
Why it matters
This case marks a significant test of the UK's updated national security laws regarding espionage and military personnel.
A court sketch of Young at Westminster magistrates court. He is the first member of the British armed forces to be charged under the National Security Act 2023. Photograph: Elizabeth Cook/PA A court sketch of Young at Westminster magistrates court. He is the first member of the British armed forces to be charged under the National Security Act 2023. Photograph: Elizabeth Cook/PA UK news Royal Navy sailor accused of spying for Russia appears in court Intelligence specialist Teddy Young, 24, alleged to have drafted message in Russian containing classified information
Prefer the Guardian on Google A junior Royal Navy intelligence specialist from Bedfordshire accused of trying to pass military secrets to Russia appeared in court on Thursday.
Teddy Young, 24, was accused of abusing his high-level security clearance to access secret defence and intelligence data after being deployed on a warship.
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