Freddie Scappaticci, understood to be Army spy in Provisional IRA known as 'Stakeknife', has died

A west Belfast man who was alleged to have been the British Army's top mole in the Provisional IRA has died.

Freddie Scappaticci, who was aged in his 70s, always denied that he was the agent Stakeknife.

The west Belfast man gave a final interview to deny he was Stakeknife before fleeing Northern Ireland.

He died several days ago and was buried last week.

Stakeknife worked within the IRA's notorious "nutting squad" interrogating suspected informers during the Troubles.

The alleged activities of Stakeknife are under investigation in Operation Kenova led by former Bedfordshire chief constable, Jon Boutcher.

The report from the probe into crimes such as murder and torture linked to Stakeknife, and the role played by the security services, including MI5, was due to be published in early 2023.

Last week, it was announced that the publication of the report had been delayed.

Former Bedfordshire chief constable Jon Boutcher, who is leading the investigation into the alleged activities of Army agent Stakeknife within the Provisional IRA, said his team was made aware last week of the death of Freddie Scappaticci.

He said his staff are working through the implications of Mr Scappaticci's death and will publish an interim report this year.

"We remain committed to providing families with the truth of what happened to their loved ones and continue to actively pursue criminal charges against several individuals," he said.

"We will publish an interim report on (Operation) Kenova's findings this year.

"We also recognise that people may now feel more able to talk to the Kenova team following the death of Mr Scappaticci, who had long been accused by many of being involved in the kidnap, murder and torture of potential PIRA informants during The Troubles.

"I appeal to anyone with information that might help those impacted by the events we are investigating to contact us in confidence to help families understand what happened during these difficult times."

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