Member of the Royal Navy charged with 'spying for foreign power' after being arrested by counter terror police

Published: 02:55 EDT, 8 October 2026 | Updated: 03:30 EDT, 8 October 2026 A serving member of the Royal Navy has been charged with spying for a foreign country. Teddy Young, 24, will appear in court today accused of obtaining protected information which could benefit a foreign power, the Metropolitan Police said.Young was arrested by counter-terror police at his home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday, having previously been arrested in Hampshire last year.He is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for committing an offence of disclosing protected information between November 26, 2024 and May 21, 2025. Between the same dates, he is also accused of obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power.This was allegedly done while he 'ought reasonably to know was prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom'. Both offences violate the National Security Act 2023.Young will remain in custody until his court appearance later today. Teddy Young, 24, was arrested at home in Bedfordshire on Tuesday and taken into custody in London (Pictured: New Scotland Yard)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.'Police did not disclose which foreign country Young is alleged to have tried to assist. But his arrest is not related to recent counter terror investigations, including the incident at RAF Fairford, officers said. On Tuesday, police investigating the Fairford incident arrested a 22-year-old British man in central London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He is the seventh person arrested in connection with the suspected plot, which authorities have linked to Iran, but police so far have released few details of their investigation.Five British men in their 20s were detained near the perimeter of the base in the early hours of Sept. 27, and a 25-year-old British Iranian man was arrested in London on Thursday. All six were released on bail while under investigation.This is a breaking news story and is being updated.