IPCO – which oversees the use of covert investigatory powers, including the UK’s intelligence agencies – concluded:
– “Strong indications” of Agent X’s interest in violence, including video footage of him threatening his girlfriend with a machete, did not lead to an MI5 review of his suitability of as an agent. IPCO said it “should have done”
– Agent X was “openly misogynistic” with his MI5 handlers, who knew he was involved with a “pick up artistry” movement that seeks to exploit women for sex, but “none of this attracted much attention” from the handlers
– MI5 knew Agent X was “obsessed” with violence, because he told them, and there were indications he might be a threat to others “arising from his general interest in extreme violence”. But IPCO said there was a “lack of sufficient professional curiosity” about him by MI5.
In a statement to the BBC, IPCO said its inspection “identified serious failings in MI5’s management of Agent X” and it “required MI5 to take action to address these failings”.
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.”
