Hundreds of new documents belonging to an IRA spy, known as Stakeknife, have been discovered by MI5, according to Northern Irish police investigation Operation Kenova. The probe has investigated the activities of agent Freddie Scappaticci, who worked for the British Army’s internal security unit during the troubles of the 1980s. MI5 previously denied knowledge of Scappaticci before 2003 but it is thought the newly discovered documents will reveal otherwise. The papers are still being assessed, but the head of Operation Kenova, Sir Iain Livingstone, said the material may change its investigation into the conduct of Stakeknife’s Army handlers, police and MI5.
Part of the investigation also considered whether Scappaticci was involved in at least 14 murders. Based on an earlier report, the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland offered “insufficient evidence to charge anyone”. Sir Iain has written to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to update him on the matter and has also informed the Public Prosecution Service.
In a statement, Sir Iain said hundreds of pages of documents appeared to “point to new investigative leads not previously known” and that the material was “not insignificant”. However, he added the papers did not provide any evidence of further murders in which Stakeknife was involved.
Baroness O’Loan, a member of Operation Kenova’s steering committee, has accused MI5 of acting “appallingly”. She said victims’ families may now learn information that may contradict what they had previously been told. The final operation report was due before Christmas but this will now be delayed until 2025.
The discovery comes as the UK’s Supreme Court ruled last week that people suspected of crimes committed during the Irish Troubles would not face prosecution. The decision overturned a judgement by Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal ordering the investigation of a former British soldier
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