Emailing the Adversary
A former MI5 contractor is currently on trial in London on charges of violating the Official Secrets Act and National Security Act.
Juan Joseph worked as an IT contractor at varying times for MI5 and for another British intelligence organization for more than a decade between 2009 and 2020. But his clearance was revoked and his contract terminated in 2020 due to his deteriorating mental health. He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Following his dismissal, Joseph brought a series of legal claims and grievances against MI5. According to the Independent, in August 2024 he applied to Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a summons to start a private prosecution, which was refused. Afterwards he tried to launch a judicial review at the High Court in November 2024, and CCed a foreign government official on that email request.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, he also emailed the Director General of MI5, making claims of rape, abuse of minors, abductions, the attempted assassination of a former director general, and more.
Joseph flew to Riga, Latvia in early December 2024 and was detained when he returned to Gatwick Airport a week later. He was travelling with five phones, a laptop and a tablet and refused to allow police access to them. Joseph later relented and provided the PINs. Police discovered two photographs taken near an unnamed foreign embassy, and two emails sent to that same embassy, one of which was titled “meeting in Latvia, Riga (foreign state) Embassy” and contained classified information.
Joseph was taken into custody again in January 2025. He was carrying a folding knife at the time and claimed to be an armed MI5 officer. A search of his home also turned up a homemade MI5 identification card and a signed copy of the Official Secrets Act declaration.
According to Sky News, Joseph is charged with two counts of making a damaging disclosure relating to security or intelligence under the Official Secrets Act, disclosing information and engaging in conduct in preparation of disclosing information under the National Security Act, and having an offensive weapon. His trial is scheduled to continue through April 2nd, 2026.