False evidence in neo-Nazi spy case a serious failure, says intelligence watchdog

The UK’s intelligence oversight commissioner, Lord Leveson, called MI5’s use of false evidence in a neo-Nazi spy case “as serious as anything” he has handled. His Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO) reviewed how MI5 gave false evidence to three courts about the abusive informant known as “agent X,” first reported by the BBC. IPCO said one senior officer lied repeatedly, while another misled colleagues and lied about what he was told, citing “serious and systemic failures” across MI5 conduct. MI5 accepted IPCO’s findings “without reservation.” The High Court is expected to decide soon what action—if any—should follow. The case centers on MI5’s treatment of the “neither confirm nor deny” policy regarding agent status.