Former MI5 IT Contractor Accused of Leaking Classified Information to Foreign State
A disgruntled former MI5 IT contractor leaked sensitive information to a foreign state and traveled to Latvia to arrange face-to-face meetings at an embassy, a partially secret trial at the Old Bailey has heard.
Allegations of National Security Breaches
Ex-government IT contractor Juan Joseph, 42, is accused of breaching the Official Secrets Act and the National Security Act while pursuing a complaint against the security service. Parts of his trial before Mr Justice Hilliard are being heard behind closed doors, with the public and press excluded.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told the court that in late 2024 and early 2025, while mentally unwell, Joseph sent emails to bodies representing one or more foreign countries. These emails contained information that should not have been disclosed, damaging UK national interests.
"He also traveled to Riga in Latvia and by email asked to meet with representatives of the embassy of another country there in a way that indicates he was intending to and preparing to make further such disclosures," Ms Ledward said.
Background and Security Clearance
Joseph worked as an IT contractor for MI5 for over a decade, from September 2009 to October 2020. In his role, he had insight into MI5 capabilities and privileged access to highly classified information. He sometimes worked for another UK intelligence organisation and held security clearance up to "developed vetting."
During his induction, Joseph was informed of his lifelong obligations under the Official Secrets Act, limiting what he could reveal about his work. In 2020, after becoming mentally unwell, his vetting and security clearance were removed, and his contract was terminated. He signed a declaration binding him to the Official Secrets Act upon notification.
Grievances and Alleged Offences
Joseph later raised grievances against MI5, culminating in August 2024 when he applied to Westminster Magistrates' Court for a summons to start a private prosecution, which was refused. The alleged offending began when he applied for a judicial review of the decision by the High Court.
On November 19, 2024, Joseph allegedly sent an email containing sensitive information to the Administrative Court office of the High Court, copying in an address linked to a foreign state. An assistant to the Chief Magistrate forwarded the email to police the same day.
On December 8, 2024, Joseph traveled to Riga and was stopped by police at Gatwick Airport upon his return on December 15. Officers seized five mobile phones and two computers, but Joseph refused to hand over PIN numbers, claiming he was an MI5 officer needing authorisation. He later provided some codes, and officers recovered two photographs allegedly taken by Joseph near the embassy of the foreign state in Riga.
Officers found Joseph had sent two emails to the same embassy requesting a meeting while in Riga, disclosing information protected under the National Security Act. Ms Ledward stated, "It is clear from those two emails that the defendant's trip to Riga was for the purpose of attempting to make physical contact with representatives of the foreign state through their embassy in Riga in order to disclose protected information to them."
Further Disclosures and Arrest
On January 13, 2025, Joseph sent another email complaining about his treatment by police at Gatwick Airport, containing sensitive information relating to security or intelligence, with one recipient linked to a foreign state.
Joseph was arrested on January 30, 2025, at an Ibis Hotel near his home in Sutton, south London. Ms Ledward said he became "agitated" and asked to call a lawyer when officers held his arms. When asked if he had anything capable of harming officers, Joseph allegedly said he was an armed MI5 officer and had a knife. Officers seized a folding lock knife from his jacket pocket.
A search of Joseph's home led to the discovery of a homemade card purporting to identify him as an MI5 officer. In police interview, Joseph denied disclosing anything he should not have and insisted he was not trying to damage the UK. He claimed he was still working for the security service remotely and was allowed to have the knife in his ongoing role as an MI5 officer.
Defence and Trial Proceedings
Ms Ledward noted there is no dispute Joseph sent the emails or had the knife, and an issue in the trial will be his state of mind. She suggested psychiatric evidence may explain that Joseph was "labouring under a terrible delusion" caused by paranoid schizophrenia, believing he was the "victim of a terrible wrong" and being "silenced."
Joseph denies two charges of making a damaging disclosure relating to security or intelligence on November 19, 2024, and January 13, 2025. He has pleaded not guilty to obtaining or disclosing "protected information" and "preparatory conduct" with the intention of committing acts contrary to the National Security Act 2023. Joseph further denies possession of an offensive weapon. The Old Bailey trial continues.
