Watchdog finds serious failings in MI5 handling of Agent X
MI5’s watchdog found a “lack of sufficient professional curiosity” over Agent X, a neo-Nazi informant who used his role to terrorise Beth.
In an August 2022 inspection, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office found serious failings in MI5’s handling of Agent X, including several areas of non-compliance over his management and the service’s duty to protect the safety and welfare of the CHIS and those affected by his authorised conduct. MI5 later made significant changes to its policies, practices and procedures, which were tested in subsequent inspections.
A judiciary press summary described Agent X as a violent neo-Nazi informant and a dangerous extremist and misogynist who physically and psychologically abused two female partners, used the claim that he worked for MI5 to terrorise and control Beth, told her he worked for MI5, and attacked her with a machete.
On 2 July 2025, the High Court concluded that MI5 had misled the High Court, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and special advocates in the case. The next day, Yvette Cooper updated Parliament on MI5’s correction of previously incorrect evidence it had provided in relation to Agent X. On 16 September 2025, the Prime Minister directed the Investigatory Powers Commissioner to investigate the circumstances that led to false evidence being given to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
By March 2026, MI5 had agreed to a confidential damages settlement and a private apology for Beth. Multiple investigations remained open over whether MI5 personnel should face contempt proceedings.
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