MI5 false evidence in neo-Nazi spy case a serious failing, says intelligence watchdog
Summary
The UK intelligence watchdog said MI5’s false evidence about a violent neo-Nazi informant was a grave failure that undermined oversight. Its investigation found that MI5 misled three courts, while the watchdog’s annual report also detailed a rise in MI5 agent-management errors and failings by the National Crime Agency in its handling of a child informant.Key Facts
- Investigatory Powers Commissioner Lord Leveson called the case of informant X among the most serious he has handled.
- The watchdog found that MI5 gave false evidence to three courts about following its policy of neither confirming nor denying an informant’s status.
- The investigation found that one senior MI5 officer repeatedly lied and another misled colleagues; the first officer later resigned.
- MI5 said it accepted the watchdog’s findings without reservation.
- The High Court is expected to decide whether to take action against MI5 or its staff.
- MI5 agent-related errors rose from four in 2017 to 21 in 2025, while MI6 errors fell from 10 to three.
- The watchdog found that the National Crime Agency failed to report a child informant within the required time and that a senior officer extended the authorisation beyond what was legal.
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