Ex-MI5 Contractor Accused of Leaking Secrets to Foreign State

A former MI5 IT contractor is on trial at the Old Bailey, accused of breaching the Official Secrets Act and National Security Acts after allegedly leaking sensitive information to a foreign state. Juan Joseph, 42, is accused of sharing classified details and attempting to arrange a meeting with representatives of the foreign power in Riga, Latvia.

Details of the Case

According to prosecutors, Juan Joseph sent emails containing information damaging to UK national interests to bodies representing one or more foreign countries between late 2024 and early 2025 . He then traveled to Riga and attempted to schedule a face-to-face meeting at the foreign embassy to disclose further protected information .

Background of the Accused

Joseph worked as an IT contractor for MI5 from September 2009 to October 2020, gaining access to highly classified information and possessing security clearance up to “developed vetting” . His security clearance was removed and his contract terminated in 2020 after he experienced mental health issues . Following his dismissal, Joseph pursued grievances against MI5, including an unsuccessful attempt to initiate a private prosecution .

Alleged Actions After Termination

The prosecution alleges that Joseph sent an email containing sensitive information to the Administrative Court office of the High Court, also copying an address linked to a foreign state, in November 2024 . During a trip to Riga in December 2024, he reportedly emailed the embassy of another country requesting a meeting to disclose protected information . He also allegedly sent another email in January 2025, again including a foreign state email address, containing further sensitive information .

Arrest and Charges

Joseph was arrested on January 30, 2025, at a hotel near his home in Sutton, South London . During his arrest, he allegedly claimed to be an armed MI5 officer and possessed a folding lock knife . A homemade card identifying him as an MI5 officer was also found at his home .

Defense and Trial Details

Joseph denies two charges of making damaging disclosures relating to security or intelligence, as well as charges of obtaining or disclosing protected information and possession of an offensive weapon . The prosecution acknowledges Joseph was experiencing mental health issues, and the trial will address his state of mind, with psychiatric evidence suggesting he may have been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia . Parts of the trial are being held behind closed doors due to national security concerns .