Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Pressure to Name MI5 IRA Spy Stakeknife
A man named Freddie Scappaticci, also known as Stakeknife, worked as a spy for the British intelligence agency MI5 inside the IRA, a group in Northern Ireland.
He was part of a unit that found and punished people who were spying for the British.
A big report says he did bad things like kidnapping and killing people, and MI5 knew about it but protected him because they thought he was important.
Now, people want the government to officially name him, but the government says it's not safe to do that.
Some people think the IRA leaders are more to blame for the killings.
Freddie Scappaticci, known as Stakeknife, was an MI5 spy within the IRA's internal security unit during the Troubles.
The Kenova Final Report alleges Stakeknife's involvement in 14 murders and 15 abductions, with MI5's knowledge and protection.
MI5 treated Stakeknife as a valuable asset, despite evidence of his serious criminality.
The government has refused to formally name Stakeknife, citing national security concerns.
Some officials argue that the IRA Army Council should be held primarily responsible for the killings.
- Who
- Freddie Scappaticci (codename: Stakeknife), an MI5 spy within the IRA
- What
- Pressure to formally name Stakeknife due to allegations of serious crimes and MI5's involvement
- When
- Scappaticci was active from the 1970s to 1990s; investigation concluded recently
- Where
- Northern Ireland, primarily West Belfast
- Why
- Kenova Final Report revealed evidence of serious criminality and MI5's protection of Stakeknife
- Name
- Freddie Scappaticci (codename: Stakeknife)
- Role
- MI5 spy within IRA's internal security unit
- Active Years
- 1970s to 1990s
- Alleged Crimes
- 14 murders, 15 abductions
- Investigation Cost
- £47.5 million
- Intelligence Reports
- 3,517
- Payment
- Hundreds of thousands of pounds
- Current Status
- Deceased (2023)