Undercover agent

British investigate undercover IRA spy Stakeknife

The British government has launched an investigation into one of its own spies, Stakeknife, who was the British Army’s most high-ranking agent in the IRA and is said to have operated undercover for 25 years.

The Bedfordshire police chief, Jon Boutcher, is leading the investigation which will exclude those who have served in or are currently serving in the RUC, PSNI, Ministry of Defense or MI5.

Operation Kenova, as the inquiry has been named, will examine if there is evidence of collusion, murder, attempted murder, perjury or other criminal offences by state agent Stakeknife, the British army, the security services or other government agencies.

Boutcher said he did not underestimate the challenge he faced but was committed to finding the truth and aimed to bring those involved to justice.