Former MI5 Employee Juan Joseph Sectioned After Leaks to Foreign Power

Juan Joseph, a former MI5 employee, has been sectioned indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after being found not guilty by reason of insanity for leaking sensitive information to a foreign power. The 43-year-old was detained following a week-long trial at the Old Bailey, where it was determined that his actions were a result of paranoid schizophrenia.

The Independent

Joseph, who worked as a systems engineer and held the highest vetting clearance during his 11 years at MI5, was dismissed in October 2020 after displaying signs of severe mental distress, including extreme anxiety and paranoia. He claimed to have been victimized and gaslit by MI5, alleging mistreatment that included unfounded accusations of serious crimes such as rape and child abuse.

The Independent

In December 2024, Joseph traveled to Riga, Latvia, where he attempted to arrange a meeting at a foreign embassy. Upon returning to the UK, he was stopped by police at Gatwick Airport for refusing to provide access to his digital devices, claiming to be an MI5 officer. His arrest on January 30, 2025, revealed a homemade card falsely identifying him as an MI5 officer and a lock knife in his possession. Joseph maintained that he was a whistleblower and had done nothing wrong.

The Independent

During the trial, Mr. Justice Hilliard emphasized the serious implications of Joseph's actions for national security, stating, “I accept that Mr. Joseph would not have done what he did if he had not been mentally ill.” He noted the risk of similar conduct if Joseph's mental health deteriorated without effective treatment. Prosecutor Ms. Jocelyn Ledward KC highlighted that Joseph had previously been arrested in early 2022 for similar disclosures while mentally unwell.

The Independent

Critics have raised concerns about the handling of Joseph's mental health and the implications of his actions for national security. The decision to conduct parts of the trial behind closed doors was made to mitigate potential risks to national security, which some argue limits transparency in the judicial process.

The Independent

• “I think that the power under section 41 for immediate recall to hospital if there is any deterioration, disengagement or concerns will markedly reduce his ability to do anything which could cause serious harm to the public,” — Mr. Justice Hilliard

The Independent

• “The defendant was arrested and interviewed in early 2022 in relation to similar disclosures that had been made at the time, as it transpired, while he was mentally unwell.” — Ms. Jocelyn Ledward KC

The Independent

Joseph will remain at Broadmoor Hospital indefinitely under a restricted hospital order, which requires permission from the Ministry of Justice for any potential release. His case highlights ongoing discussions about mental health treatment for individuals involved in national security and the balance between public safety and individual rights.

The Independent