Operation Kenova concluded that MI5 excessively protected IRA agent Stakeknife, identified as Freddie Scappaticci, for 50 years, despite his involvement in abductions and murder.The final report revealed MI5 was aware of Stakeknife's recruitment and his role in the IRA's internal security unit, responsible for identifying and murdering suspected informants, with handlers ignoring guidelines due to loyalty.Sir Iain Livingstone argued that the government's policy of neither confirming nor denying the existence of agents should not shield those who commit heinous crimes, as Stakeknife was financially well-rewarded and relocated with MI5 protection after media exposure.