There were concerns that Stakeknife - the British army's top spy in the IRA's internal security unit during the Troubles — was "a danger to himself" in 2003, according to Irish Government documents. As part of the annual release of previously confidential Government files from the National Archives of Ireland, it has been revealed that there were concerns over a "risk of suicide" around Stakeknife. The document, stamped "seen by Taoiseach", came days after Mr Scapaiticci was named in several media outlets — with the inquiry official seemingly corroborating the reports. Mr Scappaticci was arrested, interviewed under caution, and files on him were submitted to the director of public prosecutions for Northern Ireland. UK authorities have declined to officially identify Stakeknife, a position described by Mr Boutcher as "untenable and bordering on farce".

Source: Irish Examiner December 30, 2025 11:40 UTC