MI5 accepts it gave evidence based on lies in neo-Nazi spy case
It is the first time MI5 has confirmed the BBC's revelation that it gave evidence based on lies in court.
On Friday, the UK's security agency MI5 acknowledged that it provided evidence tainted by lies to three courts during the defense of a violent neo-Nazi spy. This admission confirms a BBC report from February 2025, which revealed the extent of the deception. Timothy Otty KC, representing MI5, made the disclosure at a High Court hearing in London.
The panel of three senior judges is now assessing potential consequences for the dishonesty, including possible contempt of court proceedings against select MI5 officers or the agency as a whole. This marks the first time MI5 has admitted to giving misleading evidence to the courts. The case revolves around an MI5 informant, Agent X, a foreign neo-Nazi misogynist who abused his partner, Beth, with a machete.
MI5 aided his escape abroad while under police investigation. Despite MI5's claims of sticking to its secrecy policy, it was found to have disclosed Agent X's status to the BBC journalist investigating him in 2020.
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