Former MI5 Contractor Allegedly Underwent Ninja-Style Training in Swords and Knives
A disgruntled former MI5 contractor claimed to have undergone ninja-style training at the security service's London headquarters, focusing on swords and knives, his partly-secret trial at the Old Bailey has been told. Juan Joseph, 43, was arrested at an Ibis hotel in Sutton, south London, in January 2025 for allegedly breaching the Official Secrets Act and the National Security Act.
Arrest and Allegations of Security Breaches
When arrested, Joseph was carrying a lock knife in his pocket, which he later claimed was for self-defence as an officer. A subsequent search of his nearby home revealed a homemade card falsely identifying him as an MI5 officer. Joseph, who worked as an IT contractor for MI5 for 11 years with the highest vetting clearance, allegedly leaked sensitive information to a foreign power via emails and attempted to arrange a meeting at an embassy in Latvia.
This was part of his pursuit of a complaint against MI5, after his contract was terminated in October 2020 due to concerns about his mental health, described by colleagues as showing mental fragility, extreme anxiety, and paranoia.
Claims of Ninja Training and Self-Defence Expertise
In police interviews, Joseph referred to taking self-defence training at MI5's Thames House headquarters with a ninjutsu instructor, which he described as involving swords and knives and stuff. He maintained that he was a whistleblower and was permitted to carry the lock knife for defence, having purchased it online. Joseph also stated that he only carried the knife as a deterrent and had never used it.
Additionally, he claimed to hold a first dan black belt in taekwondo and had training in aikido, judo, and wrestling, bolstering his self-defence background.
Health Issues and Allegations of Abuse
When questioned about his health, Joseph alleged that he suffered a heart condition after being assaulted by a needle attack at Thames House. He told officers that a swastika had been displayed in the office and he was injected with a substance that made him very poorly, resulting in a permanent heart problem called hyperkinesia.
Joseph insisted he was the victim of racial abuse attacks while working at MI5 and had made unfounded complaints about racialist comments and violent offences, including rape, child abuse, and torture. He denied any wrongdoing, stating that there was no malice or intent to harm the United Kingdom.
Court Proceedings and Denials
Joseph has pleaded not guilty to four charges under the Official Secrets Act and National Security Act, as well as denying possession of a bladed article when arrested. The trial at the Old Bailey is being partly heard in private, without the public or press, and continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies.
The case highlights the complex interplay between national security, mental health concerns, and the allegations of misconduct within high-security environments.
