Ex-MI5 Contractor Accused of Leaking Secrets to Foreign Power

A former MI5 contractor is on trial at the Traditional Bailey, accused of breaching the Official Secrets Act by repeatedly leaking information to a foreign power. Juan Joseph, 43, allegedly sent emails containing classified information and traveled to Latvia in an attempt to meet with representatives of a foreign embassy.

Mental Health and Grievances

The court has heard that Joseph’s mental health declined significantly after his contract with MI5 was terminated in 2020. Prior to his dismissal, he held the highest level of security clearance, granting him access to sensitive information. MI5’s former head of HR testified that Joseph began exhibiting “mental fragility, extreme anxiety and paranoia” in August 2020, and was briefly hospitalized before discharging himself.

Following the termination of his contract, Joseph lodged several grievances against MI5, alleging racial discrimination and claiming he was “victimised” and “gaslit.” An investigation into allegations of racialist comments made by a client relations manager found no evidence to support his claims. He also made disturbing, unsubstantiated allegations of rape, child abuse, torture, and attempted assassination, which MI5 dismissed as untrue.

Travel to Latvia and Attempts to Contact Foreign Powers

In late 2024 and early 2025, Joseph allegedly emailed representatives of foreign countries, sharing information deemed damaging to UK national interests. He then traveled to Riga, Latvia, in December 2024, and attempted to arrange a meeting with officials at a foreign embassy.

Arrest and Evidence

Joseph was arrested on January 30, 2025, at an Ibis Hotel, where he falsely claimed to be an armed MI5 officer. A lock knife was found in his possession, and a homemade card purporting to identify him as an MI5 officer was discovered at his home. The head of personnel security for MI5 confirmed the card was not an official MI5 identity card.

Legal Proceedings

Joseph has denied all charges. Parts of the trial are being held behind closed doors due to national security concerns, with jurors excluded from hearing evidence related to the foreign powers involved and the nature of the leaked information. The trial continues.

Source: Evening Standard, Sky News, The Telegraph, The Independent