Royal Navy sailor faces fresh charges over alleged plans to share secrets with Russia
Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young, 24, faces additional charges over allegations that he accessed and retained classified defence and intelligence information, intending to share it with Russia. Prosecutors say he used his security clearance while serving at sea and tried to contact Russian authorities through the dark web; the case raises serious national security concerns.
Young was first charged under the National Security Act 2023 and now also faces misconduct in public office and two counts of failing to comply with notices under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. Prosecutors allege he sent classified material to personal email and messaging accounts and kept it on personal devices, including a USB and SD card. He appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh prison; a plea hearing is set for 12 March and an eight-week trial is provisionally scheduled to begin on 8 October 2027.
In short
- Navy sailor faces fresh charges over alleged plans to pass secrets to Russia.
- Prosecutors allege classified material was sent to personal accounts and devices.
- An eight-week trial is provisionally scheduled for October 2027.
Explained simply
The Royal Navy is the UK’s naval force, and some sailors have security clearance that lets them handle sensitive defence information. The National Security Act 2023 sets out offences involving sensitive information and threats to the UK, while the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act gives authorities powers to require information during investigations.
Teddy Young is a Royal Navy sailor accused of misusing his access to classified material and trying to pass it to Russia. The allegations are being dealt with by a criminal court; charges are accusations, and the court must determine whether they are proved.
The case matters because unauthorised access to or sharing of defence and intelligence information could affect national security. It also raises questions about how sensitive information is protected when people with security clearance use personal devices or accounts.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Royal Navy sailor who ‘tried to use dark web to send military secrets to Russia’ faces 2027 trial as fresh charges are brought”.