Freddie Scappaticci, suspected British Army agent within the IRA, admitted to shooting a suspected informer in 1990, as revealed in a BBC investigation, shedding light on his role as Stakeknife and his involvement in over 20 murders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. 

During a BBC Spotlight investigation into the activities of Freddie Scappaticci, a suspected British Army agent within the IRA, it was revealed that he admitted to shooting dead a suspected informer in 1990. Scappaticci, who died in April, had previously denied being the agent known as Stakeknife, who was responsible for over 20 murders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In 1989, Scappaticci became the IRA’s chief spy catcher in its internal security unit, known as the “nutting squad,” which executed informers. Scappaticci’s involvement in the murder of Joe Fenton and the interrogation of Sandy Lynch, another suspected informer, was uncovered through court documents and witness testimonies. However, due to withheld evidence and a false alibi, Scappaticci managed to avoid arrest and continued his activities within the IRA. Operation Kenova, a criminal investigation into Stakeknife’s actions, is currently underway to shed light on his activities and the treatment of informers by the IRA. 

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-65748734