A 24-year-old Royal Navy officer has appeared in court accused of obtaining sensitive British defence and intelligence material and preparing to pass protected information to Russia.
Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after being arrested at his home in Clapham, Bedfordshire, on Wednesday, October 7. He faces charges under the National Security Act over alleged activities between November 26, 2024, and May 21, 2025.
The charges relate to allegedly preparing to disclose protected information and obtaining, copying, recording or retaining such material with the intention of benefiting a foreign power. Young has not entered a plea, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Young was serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating with high-level security clearance and access to intelligence systems when the alleged offences took place.
“The allegation is that while serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating with high-level security clearance and intelligence-system access, Teddy Stanley Greenidge Young accessed and retained sensitive UK defence and intelligence material and engaged in activity consistent with preparing to pass protected information to a foreign power,” the CPS said.
Young joined the Royal Navy in April 2024. Prosecutors allege that the offences occurred during his first deployment, which began on November 4, 2024. He is also accused of using the dark web in an attempt to contact Russian authorities.
The case was heard briefly at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where no pleas were entered. Judge Pilling ruled that the seriousness of the charges meant the case had to be dealt with by a Crown Court. Young was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 16.
Explaining the decision, the judge told Young that the charges were too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court and would need to proceed before a Crown Court.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said investigators had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence as the case developed.
“These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces,” Flanagan said.
She added that the investigation had involved close cooperation with relevant operational colleagues within the Ministry of Defence to ensure that any potential risks connected to the case could be addressed.
Flanagan also urged the public to avoid further speculation while the legal proceedings continue, stressing the importance of allowing the case to progress through the courts without interference.
Police said the arrest and charges were not connected to the separate investigation at RAF Fairford.
A Royal Navy representative confirmed that a member of the service had been charged following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The representative declined to comment further, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
Young is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 16 as the case moves to the next stage of the judicial process.
