A secret inquiry by MI5's watchdog has concluded that the security service was aware an abusive agent, publicly known as Agent X, was a misogynist with an "obsession" with violence, the BBC has revealed. The investigation by the Office of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner (IPCO) was launched after BBC News exposed how MI5 had allegedly covered up for the man, who was a neo-Nazi informant.

Agent X had used his status to coercively control his then-girlfriend, including attacking her with a machete, before moving abroad to continue intelligence work while still under investigation. The government's attempt in 2022 to legally block the BBC's investigation into Agent X failed, though the spy was granted legal anonymity.

IPCO's inquiry, which concluded in 2024, found that strong indications of Agent X's interest in violence, including video footage of him threatening his girlfriend with a machete, did not prompt an MI5 review of his suitability as an agent. The watchdog stated that such a review should have occurred.

Furthermore, the inquiry revealed that Agent X was "openly misogynistic" with his MI5 handlers. They were aware of his involvement with a "pick-up artistry" movement, which aims to exploit women for sex, but these behaviours did not attract significant attention from his handlers. IPCO concluded there was a "lack of sufficient professional curiosity" regarding Agent X.

In response to the findings, Agent X's former partner, identified as Beth, stated that she would like to see a "full apology" from MI5 for their willingness to "use somebody like X" and for their inaction despite being aware of his abuse.

MI5 subsequently informed the BBC that it had made "significant changes to its policies, practices and procedures" in response to the IPCO inspection. IPCO confirmed that these changes have been tested in later inspections and that MI5's work in this area is ongoing, with the watchdog continuing to supervise through its inspection programme.

During the inspection, MI5 reportedly misled IPCO regarding its continued adherence to a "neither confirm nor deny" secrecy policy concerning Agent X's status. MI5 had previously told the BBC that Agent X was an agent during attempts to prevent the investigation in 2020. The service also provided false evidence to three courts on this matter, triggering a separate IPCO investigation expected to report to the Prime Minister.

This case highlights complex ethical and operational challenges faced by intelligence agencies in managing informants who may pose risks to the public or exhibit concerning personal behaviours. The watchdog's findings suggest a failure in MI5's vetting and oversight processes, raising questions about the effectiveness of internal controls and the prioritization of public safety versus intelligence gathering.

The broader implications of this case could lead to increased scrutiny of how intelligence services handle informants with problematic backgrounds and potentially prompt reforms in oversight mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.