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Stakeknife: IRA's most senior double agent to be quizzed about 20 murders Stakeknife: IRA's most senior double agent to be quizzed about 24 murders
(34 minutes later)
The IRA's most senior double agent to be investigated about the murder of more than 20 people. The IRA's most senior double agent is to be investigated about the murder of at least 24 people.
The army agent, who was given the codename Stakeknife, has been named by the BBC as west Belfast man Fred Scappaticci. He has denied he was an agent.The army agent, who was given the codename Stakeknife, has been named by the BBC as west Belfast man Fred Scappaticci. He has denied he was an agent.
Northern Ireland's director of public prosecutions wants the new investigation to look at what information the army, MI5 and the Royal Ulster Constabulary's Special Branch received from Stakeknife.Northern Ireland's director of public prosecutions wants the new investigation to look at what information the army, MI5 and the Royal Ulster Constabulary's Special Branch received from Stakeknife.
Barry McGrory QC said those who received information he passed on will also be investigated. Barra McGrory QC said those who received information he passed on will also be investigated.
It is not yet clear whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland will assume responsibility for the investigation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland have yet to confirm who will conduct the investigation.
In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "Police had received a referral from the director of public prosecutions which police were addressing. It would be inappropriate to comment further."In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "Police had received a referral from the director of public prosecutions which police were addressing. It would be inappropriate to comment further."
Who is Stakeknife?Who is Stakeknife?
Freddie Scappaticci is alleged to have been the most high ranking British agent within the Provisional IRA who was given the codename 'Stakeknife'.Freddie Scappaticci is alleged to have been the most high ranking British agent within the Provisional IRA who was given the codename 'Stakeknife'.
He was the grandson of an Italian immigrant who came to Northern Ireland in search of work.He was the grandson of an Italian immigrant who came to Northern Ireland in search of work.
He has admitted in the past to being a republican but denies claims that he was an IRA informer.He has admitted in the past to being a republican but denies claims that he was an IRA informer.
He is believed to have led the IRA's internal security unit, known as 'the nutting squad,' which was responsible for identifying and interrogating suspected informers.He is believed to have led the IRA's internal security unit, known as 'the nutting squad,' which was responsible for identifying and interrogating suspected informers.
Mr Scappaticci left Northern Ireland when identified by the media as Stakeknife, in 2003.Mr Scappaticci left Northern Ireland when identified by the media as Stakeknife, in 2003.
Mr McGrory said: "I have been made aware of the scope and range of possible offences that may have been carried out by this individual and also members of intelligence agencies," he said.Mr McGrory said: "I have been made aware of the scope and range of possible offences that may have been carried out by this individual and also members of intelligence agencies," he said.
Colossal
"This information has been provided to me by the office of the Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, which is now concluding a painstaking review of all available material.""This information has been provided to me by the office of the Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, which is now concluding a painstaking review of all available material."
Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman is investigating up to 20 murders of alleged informers by the IRA - and Stakeknife's alleged role in them. BBC NI home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney said the scale of the allegations against Stakeknife and his handlers are said to be colossal.
"Given that some of the allegations concern former members of RUC Special Branch, it is likely that Northern Ireland's chief constable will ask an outside police force to conduct the investigation," he said.
Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman is investigating the murders of alleged informers by the IRA - and Stakeknife's alleged role in them.
The director of public prosecutions said Dr Maguire had carried out a "comprehensive review" of material emanating from three investigations carried out by Lord Stevens.
Ex-Met Police commissioner Lord Stevens led three government investigations into security force collusion in Northern Ireland.
How is collusion defined?
"A common link across a significant number of potential crimes, including murder, was the alleged involvement of an agent of military intelligence codenamed 'Stakeknife'," Mr McGrory said.