MI5 secret inquiry finds agency knew abusive agent was misogynist 'obsessed' with violence

MI5 secret inquiry finds agency knew abusive agent was misogynist 'obsessed' with violence MI5 covered up for a neo-Nazi information, known only as agent X, after he used a machete to coercively control his girlfriend — his ex is now seeking an apology from the service A secret inquiry by MI5's watchdog found the security service knew an abusive agent it defended in court was a misogynist who was "obsessed" with violence. The inquiry happened after BBC News revealed how MI5 covered up for the neo-Nazi informant who is known as agent X. A government attempt to block the investigation failed, though it won the right to keep agent X's anonymity. It was first reported the agent used his status to control his girlfriend, including with a machete, before he moved abroad to continue his intelligence employment, despite being under investigation. Following the revelations, the spy's ex, known only as Beth, said she wanted MI5 to apologise. Speaking to the BBC, she said: "I'd like to see a full apology for the fact that MI5 actually were willing to use somebody like X and the fact they were aware of his abuse towards me and they did nothing at all." IPCO, which oversees UK intelligence agencies found there were "strong indications" of agent X's interest in violence that included a video of him threatening his girlfriend. It also determined agent X was "openly misogynistic" with his MI5 handlers, who were aware he was involved in "pick up artistry" which aims to exploit women for sex. IPCO also said MI5 knew agent X was "obsessed" with violence, due to him telling them. It also concluded there was a "lack of sufficient professional curiosity" about him by MI5. An IPSO statement shared with the BBC said the inspection "identified serious failings in MI5's management of agent X" and it "required MI5 to take action to address these failings." "MI5 subsequently made significant changes to its policies, practices and procedures, which have been tested at subsequent inspections," it added. "MI5's work in this area is ongoing and IPCO will continue to supervise this through its rigorous inspection programme." An MI5 internal review with the head of the team that managed agent X said he should never have been used as an intelligence source. The MI5 officer said: "This whole case has been a disaster for everyone, and on reflection, we shouldn't have touched him [X] as a CHIS." A government spokesperson later told the BBC: "The abuse suffered by the woman in this case, known as Beth, was abhorrent and we extend our sincere sympathies to her. The statement continued: "The use of agents is fundamental to MI5's ability to keep the UK safe. It is difficult, human work that is governed by legislation and tightly overseen by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO). MI5 has procedures to address the risks involved in working with Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS), particularly where there might be individuals at risk of harm, and these have been improved in response to learnings." MI5 paid compensation to Beth to settle a human rights claim she brought against them. It did so without having admitted legal liability. Beth told the national broadcaster that she had been "gaslit" by MI5. She added: "They can't be trusted because they've already lied in court and painted me out to look a certain way and made me feel like I didn't have a voice or a valid story, but they have now done a 360-degree turn and paid compensation."