Britain’s ‘golden egg’ spy in the IRA

Available for over a year

He was Stakeknife, Britain's top spy in the IRA. And he was also Freddie Scappaticci, a west Belfast man who rose through the ranks of the IRA, before fleeing Northern Ireland decades ago when claims about his double life became public. He died in 2023, but the details and circumstances of his life – and what he did while acting for the Army while in the IRA – has become the subject of books, podcasts and TV shows. Now, this week, a 160-page report into his recruitment and actions while active as a British agent was published following a nine-year, £45m investigation called Operation Kenova. It unveiled key details about Stakeknife that have not been heard before – while also being unable to officially name him as Freddie Scappaticci, a decision described as a “farce” by Northern Ireland’s chief constable. BBC News NI’s crime and justice correspondent Julian O’Neill joined Tara and Declan to step through the controversial life of one of the Army’s most prized assets during the Troubles – and how there are still questions to answer for those connected to recruiting and handling him. Get in touch: [email protected]