‘Stakeknife’ to be questioned about at least 24 murders

The Director of the Public Prosecution Service in the North has requested police investigate a range of offences relating to the alleged British state agent known as ‘Stakeknife’.

West Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci (68) has consistently denied claims that he was a British spy in the IRA codenamed Stakeknife.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Barra McGrory QC said two investigations into alleged activity will take place.

The first investigation, ordered over the summer, will examine a broad range of issues linked to alleged activity, understood to include at least 24 murders, by Stakeknife along with potential collusion and criminal activity by security services and MI5 intelligence personnel.

“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. “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. “The Ombudsman has carried out a comprehensive analysis of material emanating from the three investigations carried out by Lord Stevens into allegations of collusion. “A common link across a significant number of potential crimes, including murder, was the alleged involvement of an agent of military intelligence code named Stakeknife.”

The second investigation, requested this week, relates to a review of papers linked to a case involving an allegation of perjury during court proceedings taken in 2003, again linked to Stakeknife.

The DPP has been in discussions with the Attorney General of Northern Ireland John Larkin QC and Chief Constable George Hamilton about these matters and the men have agreed to play their roles "independently, openly and with integrity".

Mr McGrory described his decision to request George Hamilton investigate as the “most significant during his time as DPP”.

He has made the requests under Section 35 (5) of the Justice Act.

Mr McGrory also said he had “every confidence” in George Hamilton’s ability to investigate these matters.