A secret inquiry by MI5's watchdog has found that the security service knew an abusive agent it defended in court was a misogynist who was 'obsessed' with violence. The investigation by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO) came after BBC News revealed how MI5 covered up for the neo-Nazi informant, known only as agent X.
Background of the Case
Agent X used his status as an intelligence source to coercively control his girlfriend, including threatening her with a machete. He later moved abroad to continue his intelligence employment despite being under investigation. His ex-partner, identified only as Beth, has called for an apology from MI5.
Speaking to the BBC, Beth said: 'I'd like to see a full apology for the fact that MI5 actually were willing to use somebody like X and the fact they were aware of his abuse towards me and they did nothing at all.'
IPCO Findings
IPCO found 'strong indications' of agent X's interest in violence, including a video of him threatening his girlfriend. The watchdog also determined that agent X was 'openly misogynistic' with his MI5 handlers, who were aware of his involvement in 'pick up artistry' aimed at exploiting women for sex. IPCO noted that MI5 knew agent X was 'obsessed' with violence because he told them.
The inquiry concluded there was a 'lack of sufficient professional curiosity' about him by MI5. An IPCO statement shared with the BBC said the inspection 'identified serious failings in MI5's management of agent X' and required MI5 to take action to address these failings.
MI5 Response and Changes
IPCO added: 'MI5 subsequently made significant changes to its policies, practices and procedures, which have been tested at subsequent inspections. MI5's work in this area is ongoing and IPCO will continue to supervise this through its rigorous inspection programme.'
An MI5 internal review with the head of the team that managed agent X concluded he should never have been used as an intelligence source. The MI5 officer stated: 'This whole case has been a disaster for everyone, and on reflection, we shouldn't have touched him [X] as a CHIS.'
Government and Compensation
A government spokesperson told the BBC: 'The abuse suffered by the woman in this case, known as Beth, was abhorrent and we extend our sincere sympathies to her. The use of agents is fundamental to MI5's ability to keep the UK safe. It is difficult, human work that is governed by legislation and tightly overseen by IPCO. MI5 has procedures to address the risks involved in working with Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS), particularly where there might be individuals at risk of harm, and these have been improved in response to learnings.'
MI5 paid compensation to Beth to settle a human rights claim she brought against them, without admitting legal liability. Beth told the BBC she had been 'gaslit' by MI5, adding: 'They can't be trusted because they've already lied in court and painted me out to look a certain way and made me feel like I didn't have a voice or a valid story, but they have now done a 360-degree turn and paid compensation.'
