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Royal Navy sailor faces 2027 trial after alleged dark web military leak to Russia
Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young faces 2027 trial for allegedly using dark web to send military secrets to Russia.
In brief
Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young faces 2027 trial for allegedly using dark web to send military secrets to Russia. Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young is set for trial in 2027 after allegedly attempting to leak classified military intelligence to Russia via dark web. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Teddy Young accused of military leak
Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young, 24, allegedly abused his high-level security clearance to access secret defense and intelligence data while deployed on a Navy vessel.
Alleged dark web contact with Russia
He drafted a message in Russian containing classified information and took steps to make direct contact with Russian authorities using the dark web.
First deployment timeline
Young joined the Navy in April 2024 and allegedly began offending on his first deployment from November 4 2024.
High-level security clearance
He was serving as a Royal Navy warfare intelligence rating with high-level security clearance and intelligence-system access.
Arrest timeline
British national Young was first arrested on May 21 2025 and then rearrested at his home in Bedfordshire on October 6.
Old Bailey appearance
On Friday, Young, of Clapham in Bedford, appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
Videolink appearance
The defendant appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke to confirm his identity.
Counter terrorism response
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, described the charges as serious and said police had worked closely with the Ministry of Defence to minimize potential security risks.
Prosecutor's statement
Prosecutor Kelly Brocklehurst said the allegations arose 'out of the defendant's duties as a serving member of the Royal Navy' and that Young 'took particular interest in the Russian military service'.
First charge details
The evidence indicated he accessed and, without authority, retained 'sensitive information' about intelligence and was communicating with a 'third party overseas'.
Intended sharing of intelligence
He alleged the defendant 'intended to share some or all of the intelligence with a foreign power'.
Initial charges
Young was initially charged with two offences under the National Security Act 2023.
Additional charges
He now faces further charges of misconduct in a public office and two counts of failing to comply with a notice, contrary to section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa) 2000.
First charge specifics
The first charge alleges he engaged in conduct preparatory to the commission of an offence by 'disclosing protected information' for a purpose which was 'prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK, intending the…
Second charge specifics
The second charge alleges he obtained or disclosed protected information between November 26 2024 and May 21 2025.
Misconduct in public office
Young is further charged with misconduct in a public office between February 15 2024 and March 25 2025.
Specific misconduct actions
The charge states that while working as a rating in the Royal Navy, he 'wilfully misconducted himself' by sending classified information to a personal email address, via WhatsApp and Discord, and retained classified information on…
Ripa charges details
The two offences of failing to disclose Ripa powers related to a Sandisk USB and SD card.
Trial timetable
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb set a timetable for the case with a plea hearing on March 12 and a provisional eight-week trial at The Old Bailey from October 8 before a High Court judge.
Counter terrorism statement
Commander Helen Flanagan said: 'These are very serious charges against a serving member of the armed forces.
The main idea
Royal Navy sailor Teddy Young is set for trial in 2027 after allegedly attempting to leak classified military intelligence to Russia via dark web.
