The Spy Who: The Spy Who Jailed the Omagh Bomb Plotter – Inside Britain's Vast Espionage Network | Episode 2

Podcast: The Spy Who
Host: Charles Higson
Guest: Cara McGoogan (Author, Journalist, Host of "Bed of Lies")
Date: January 27, 2026

Overview

This episode delves into the intricate and ethically fraught world of British espionage during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing specifically on recently uncovered findings about one of the most notorious British agents: "Steak Knife." The conversation with investigative journalist Cara McGoogan explores the implications of Operation Canova, the clandestine workings of intelligence networks, and the murky moral terrain in which these spies—and their handlers—operated. The discussion places Steak Knife in context with the broader espionage network, reflecting on the cost to victims’ families, the political legacy, and unresolved questions lingering into the present.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Operation Canova and the Unmasking of Steak Knife

[02:24] Cara McGoogan: Operation Canova investigated “Steak Knife”—widely believed to be Freddie Scappatici—over an eight-year period, at a cost of nearly £50 million.
[03:05] The report found Steak Knife involved in 14 murders and 15 abductions, all while being part of the IRA’s feared “Nutting Squad,” tasked with rooting out and executing suspected informants.
[03:05] “MI5 was aware of what Steak Knife was doing, and this was viewed as acceptable. He was paid tens of thousands of pounds… helped to buy a car and a house…. even flown out in military aircraft for a break.”

2. The Complicated Identification of Steak Knife

[05:32] Policy of Denial: The UK government refuses to officially confirm that Freddie Scappatici was Steak Knife, citing a policy of “neither confirm nor deny” for agent identities.
- [05:49] “If they break the policy in this one instance… that opens them up to having to break it in other instances.” – McGoogan

3. The Paradox of Intelligence and Consequences

[07:11] Do spies like Steak Knife save lives or cost more lives than they help? Intelligence was often not used to prevent murders if it meant exposing the agent.
- “Lives were allowed to be lost in order to protect his cover. As one person said to me, you don’t get intelligence from the IRA by making the tea.” – McGoogan [07:41]
[07:58] Security services did benefit—spies provided a heads-up when MI5 operatives were in danger, and information about weapons caches—but actionable intelligence to actually prevent attacks was rare.

4. British Espionage Operations: Scale and Methods

[12:38] There were likely “hundreds if not thousands of agents throughout the Troubles on both sides in the IRA and in the loyalist paramilitaries.” Steak Knife was just the “tip of the iceberg.”
[13:29] UK intelligence sought live operational information from paramilitaries but often calculated when not to act, to avoid exposing their assets.

5. The Infiltration Dilemma

[14:34] Due to Northern Ireland’s tight-knit communities, British agencies often tried to turn insiders—using approaches ranging from blackmail to long-term relationship-building.
[16:31] Example: Joe Fenton, estate agent, was coerced into informing after being caught with explosives; was ultimately killed for his collaboration.
[17:20] Profiling and subtle relationship-building were common strategies.

6. Influence and Manipulation: The British ‘Chess Game’

[18:46] “It was as though there was a game of chess being played with the IRA on one side and loyalists on the other, and the British turned the lights off, moved the pieces into position, and then turned them back on.” – McGoogan relays an analogy from a former Chief Constable
[20:04] Examples given of agents essentially ‘manufactured’ by British intelligence—such as Kevin Fulton—who participated in bomb-making and killings at the behest of their handlers.

7. Emotional and Societal Fallout

[22:10] McGoogan shares stories of the ongoing trauma faced by victims’ families, often still left without answers.
“This happened in our lifetimes, and we’ve just sort of left Northern Ireland to pick up the pieces on its own.” – McGoogan [22:10]
[23:48] With the recent release of the Canova Report, McGoogan observes, “I think there’s a feeling that now this is out, they can speak for the first time… but also… they’re still waiting on an apology from the IRA… and from the state. So there’s lots that still needs to happen.”

8. Legal and Political Aftermath

[24:58] Victims’ families are turning to civil courts, with the Canova Report offering new grounds for legal action—since criminal prosecutions have largely been ruled out.
[28:12] Agents were “protected from investigation and charges because they were an agent,” highlighting deep systemic failings.

9. The Fates of Spies Post-Troubles

[28:46] Not all spies entered witness protection; many returned quietly to civilian life, though some—like Denis Donaldson—were killed after exposure.
[29:58] Unanswered Questions: “Lots of documents have been sealed because of national security… families are still seeking answers in their individual cases.” – McGoogan

10. Systemic Accountability and Historical Truth

[31:05] Despite revelations, no high-level handlers or officials have been held accountable; not even the head of FRU, Gordon Kerr, has faced questioning.
[32:00] “I think it was worse than I ever imagined…. There are many differing perspectives… it became very clear that we might not be able to [establish the truth] definitively in this case…” – McGoogan
[32:45] Quoting Geraldine Finucane: “If you don’t leave a wound to heal, it will fester.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On operatives’ moral calculus:
“Lives were allowed to be lost in order to protect his cover. As one person said to me, ‘you don’t get intelligence from the IRA by making the tea.’” – Cara McGoogan [07:41]
On government denial:
“If they break the policy in this one instance… that opens them up to having to break it in other instances.” – McGoogan [05:49]
On manipulation and control:
“It was as though there was a game of chess being played… the British turned the lights off, moved the pieces… then turned them back on.” – McGoogan (citing a former Chief Constable) [18:46]
On the scale of state secrecy:
“For me… going into this, my history teacher said don’t answer the question on Northern Ireland, it’s too complicated… But this was like, this happened in our lifetimes in our country and we’ve just sort of left Northern Ireland to pick up the pieces on its own.” – McGoogan [22:10]
On the impossibility of full truth:
“There are many differing perspectives. Like each person you speak to will have a different version of the truth... It became very clear that we might not be able to [establish the truth] definitively in this case, which is a story in itself.” – McGoogan [32:00]

Key Timestamps

[03:05] Overview of Operation Canova findings on Steak Knife
[05:32] Discussion of the UK’s “Neither Confirm Nor Deny” policy
[07:41] Ethics of intelligence and decision-making not to act
[12:38] Scale of British infiltration during the Troubles
[14:34] Difficulties in infiltrating the IRA, recruitment methods
[18:46] “Chessboard” analogy for British influence and manipulation
[22:10] Impact on families and societal ignorance
[23:48] Family reactions to the Steak Knife report
[24:58] Civil litigation as the only avenue for justice
[28:46] Fates of spies post-Troubles
[31:05] Systemic lack of accountability
[32:00] Reflections on the impossibility of full historical truth

Overall Tone

The tone is investigative, somber, and candid, unafraid to acknowledge the brutality, complexity, and ongoing relevance of the subject. Both Higson and McGoogan highlight the moral ambiguities faced by agencies and agents alike, while repeatedly centering the voices and suffering of ordinary citizens and victims' families left in the shadows of state secrets and violence.

For Further Listening

Cara McGoogan’s podcast: Bed of Lies (Troubles explored in Season 3)
Upcoming episode topic preview: “The Spy Who Sold Codes and Cocaine in 1970s America”—the case of Christopher Boyce

The Spy Who: The Spy Who Jailed the Omagh Bomb Plotter – Inside Britain's Vast Espionage Network | Episode 2

Podcast: The Spy Who
Host: Charles Higson
Guest: Cara McGoogan (Author, Journalist, Host of "Bed of Lies")
Date: January 27, 2026

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Operation Canova and the Unmasking of Steak Knife

[02:24] Cara McGoogan: Operation Canova investigated “Steak Knife”—widely believed to be Freddie Scappatici—over an eight-year period, at a cost of nearly £50 million.
[03:05] The report found Steak Knife involved in 14 murders and 15 abductions, all while being part of the IRA’s feared “Nutting Squad,” tasked with rooting out and executing suspected informants.
[03:05] “MI5 was aware of what Steak Knife was doing, and this was viewed as acceptable. He was paid tens of thousands of pounds… helped to buy a car and a house…. even flown out in military aircraft for a break.”

2. The Complicated Identification of Steak Knife

[05:32] Policy of Denial: The UK government refuses to officially confirm that Freddie Scappatici was Steak Knife, citing a policy of “neither confirm nor deny” for agent identities.
- [05:49] “If they break the policy in this one instance… that opens them up to having to break it in other instances.” – McGoogan

3. The Paradox of Intelligence and Consequences

[07:11] Do spies like Steak Knife save lives or cost more lives than they help? Intelligence was often not used to prevent murders if it meant exposing the agent.
- “Lives were allowed to be lost in order to protect his cover. As one person said to me, you don’t get intelligence from the IRA by making the tea.” – McGoogan [07:41]
[07:58] Security services did benefit—spies provided a heads-up when MI5 operatives were in danger, and information about weapons caches—but actionable intelligence to actually prevent attacks was rare.

4. British Espionage Operations: Scale and Methods

[12:38] There were likely “hundreds if not thousands of agents throughout the Troubles on both sides in the IRA and in the loyalist paramilitaries.” Steak Knife was just the “tip of the iceberg.”
[13:29] UK intelligence sought live operational information from paramilitaries but often calculated when not to act, to avoid exposing their assets.

5. The Infiltration Dilemma

[14:34] Due to Northern Ireland’s tight-knit communities, British agencies often tried to turn insiders—using approaches ranging from blackmail to long-term relationship-building.
[16:31] Example: Joe Fenton, estate agent, was coerced into informing after being caught with explosives; was ultimately killed for his collaboration.
[17:20] Profiling and subtle relationship-building were common strategies.

6. Influence and Manipulation: The British ‘Chess Game’

[18:46] “It was as though there was a game of chess being played with the IRA on one side and loyalists on the other, and the British turned the lights off, moved the pieces into position, and then turned them back on.” – McGoogan relays an analogy from a former Chief Constable
[20:04] Examples given of agents essentially ‘manufactured’ by British intelligence—such as Kevin Fulton—who participated in bomb-making and killings at the behest of their handlers.

7. Emotional and Societal Fallout

[22:10] McGoogan shares stories of the ongoing trauma faced by victims’ families, often still left without answers.
“This happened in our lifetimes, and we’ve just sort of left Northern Ireland to pick up the pieces on its own.” – McGoogan [22:10]
[23:48] With the recent release of the Canova Report, McGoogan observes, “I think there’s a feeling that now this is out, they can speak for the first time… but also… they’re still waiting on an apology from the IRA… and from the state. So there’s lots that still needs to happen.”

8. Legal and Political Aftermath

[24:58] Victims’ families are turning to civil courts, with the Canova Report offering new grounds for legal action—since criminal prosecutions have largely been ruled out.
[28:12] Agents were “protected from investigation and charges because they were an agent,” highlighting deep systemic failings.

9. The Fates of Spies Post-Troubles

[28:46] Not all spies entered witness protection; many returned quietly to civilian life, though some—like Denis Donaldson—were killed after exposure.
[29:58] Unanswered Questions: “Lots of documents have been sealed because of national security… families are still seeking answers in their individual cases.” – McGoogan

10. Systemic Accountability and Historical Truth

[31:05] Despite revelations, no high-level handlers or officials have been held accountable; not even the head of FRU, Gordon Kerr, has faced questioning.
[32:00] “I think it was worse than I ever imagined…. There are many differing perspectives… it became very clear that we might not be able to [establish the truth] definitively in this case…” – McGoogan
[32:45] Quoting Geraldine Finucane: “If you don’t leave a wound to heal, it will fester.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On operatives’ moral calculus:
“Lives were allowed to be lost in order to protect his cover. As one person said to me, ‘you don’t get intelligence from the IRA by making the tea.’” – Cara McGoogan [07:41]
On government denial:
“If they break the policy in this one instance… that opens them up to having to break it in other instances.” – McGoogan [05:49]
On manipulation and control:
“It was as though there was a game of chess being played… the British turned the lights off, moved the pieces… then turned them back on.” – McGoogan (citing a former Chief Constable) [18:46]
On the scale of state secrecy:
“For me… going into this, my history teacher said don’t answer the question on Northern Ireland, it’s too complicated… But this was like, this happened in our lifetimes in our country and we’ve just sort of left Northern Ireland to pick up the pieces on its own.” – McGoogan [22:10]
On the impossibility of full truth:
“There are many differing perspectives. Like each person you speak to will have a different version of the truth... It became very clear that we might not be able to [establish the truth] definitively in this case, which is a story in itself.” – McGoogan [32:00]

Key Timestamps

[03:05] Overview of Operation Canova findings on Steak Knife
[05:32] Discussion of the UK’s “Neither Confirm Nor Deny” policy
[07:41] Ethics of intelligence and decision-making not to act
[12:38] Scale of British infiltration during the Troubles
[14:34] Difficulties in infiltrating the IRA, recruitment methods
[18:46] “Chessboard” analogy for British influence and manipulation
[22:10] Impact on families and societal ignorance
[23:48] Family reactions to the Steak Knife report
[24:58] Civil litigation as the only avenue for justice
[28:46] Fates of spies post-Troubles
[31:05] Systemic lack of accountability
[32:00] Reflections on the impossibility of full historical truth

Overall Tone

For Further Listening

Cara McGoogan’s podcast: Bed of Lies (Troubles explored in Season 3)
Upcoming episode topic preview: “The Spy Who Sold Codes and Cocaine in 1970s America”—the case of Christopher Boyce

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The Spy Who Jailed the Omagh Bomb Plotter | Inside Britain's Vast Espionage Network | 2

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Summary

The Spy Who: The Spy Who Jailed the Omagh Bomb Plotter – Inside Britain's Vast Espionage Network | Episode 2

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Operation Canova and the Unmasking of Steak Knife

2. The Complicated Identification of Steak Knife

3. The Paradox of Intelligence and Consequences

4. British Espionage Operations: Scale and Methods

5. The Infiltration Dilemma

6. Influence and Manipulation: The British ‘Chess Game’

7. Emotional and Societal Fallout

8. Legal and Political Aftermath

9. The Fates of Spies Post-Troubles

10. Systemic Accountability and Historical Truth

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Overall Tone

For Further Listening

Summary

The Spy Who: The Spy Who Jailed the Omagh Bomb Plotter – Inside Britain's Vast Espionage Network | Episode 2

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Operation Canova and the Unmasking of Steak Knife

2. The Complicated Identification of Steak Knife

3. The Paradox of Intelligence and Consequences

4. British Espionage Operations: Scale and Methods

5. The Infiltration Dilemma

6. Influence and Manipulation: The British ‘Chess Game’

7. Emotional and Societal Fallout

8. Legal and Political Aftermath

9. The Fates of Spies Post-Troubles

10. Systemic Accountability and Historical Truth

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Overall Tone

For Further Listening