Royal Navy Sailor Charged With Spying for Russia

A junior Royal Navy sailor with a high-level security clearance who specialized in warfare intelligence is under arrest for allegedly trying to disclose “sensitive information” to Russia.Able Seaman Teddy Young appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being charged under the National Security Act. Mr. Young is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for disclosing protected information; and obtaining, copying, recording or retaining protected information, intending the conduct to benefit a foreign power.The junior enlisted man served as a warfare intelligence rating on a Navy vessel when prosecutors say he allegedly took defense and intelligence material in an effort to hand it over to a foreign power, “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 foreign power is Russia, British media outlets reported, using unnamed sources. Among the allegations was that Mr. Young translated a message into Russian, and used the dark web to try to contact Russian authorities to pass it along. The alleged crimes took place over a six month period during Mr. Young’s first deployment after joining the Royal Navy in 2024.Mr. Young was first arrested last year but released without being charged. Counter-terror police on Tuesday re-arrested Mr. Young at his home in Bedfordshire and then took him into custody in London. A judge has ordered him held until a crown court appearance on October 16.“These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces,” the head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, Commander Helen Flanagan, said in a statement. “We have worked extremely closely with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defense as our investigation has progressed to ensure appropriate measures could be taken to mitigate any potential risks linked to this matter,” she added.The Royal Navy confirmed the arrest but stated, “As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”Police said the arrest and charges are not connected to the recent investigation into the incident at RAF Fairford. Seven men have been arrested over an alleged terror plot to potentially target American bombers that were using the base to strike Iran. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” that Iran played some role in the suspected plot but all of the suspects have been released on bail.The navy sailor’s arrest is the latest in a list of cases involving foreign spying in the United Kingdom.This week, three Iranian men went on trial at London for allegedly spying on British-based dissident journalists on behalf of Iran’s foreign intelligence service in order to attack them for being critical of the regime.

Royal Navy Sailor Charged With Spying for Russia

Royal Navy Sailor Charged With Spying for Russia

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