A former government intelligence contractor has been charged under the Official Secrets Act following an investigation into alleged "damaging" disclosures of sensitive information.
Juan Joseph, 42, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit and appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday. He faces two charges related to his previous work as a contractor within the UK intelligence community.
Prosecutors allege that Joseph made unauthorized disclosures on 19 November last year and 13 January this year, which are considered harmful to the operations of the intelligence organization he was affiliated with. While the specific agency has not been disclosed, the court heard that he worked within the UK intelligence sector and on parts of its estate.
During the hearing, Joseph, representing himself, indicated not guilty pleas to both charges. District Judge Michael Snow remanded him in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled at the Old Bailey on 14 February.
Joseph was initially brought before the court on Saturday; however, proceedings were postponed as the charges required approval from Attorney General Lord Hermer, which was granted on Thursday. Photo by GrimsbyT, Wikimedia commons.