MI5 AGENT BLOWS REAL IRA WIDE OPEN
M15 AGENT 'BLOWS REAL IRA WIDE OPEN'
By ALAN ERWIN, PA News
The Real IRA has been cracked open by an MI5 spy who is set to testify at the trial of the terror group's suspected leader.
An American double agent infiltrated the dissident group which planted the Omagh bomb by posing as a wealthy benefactor, it was claimed last night. David Rupert has now been lined up as a key witness at the Dublin trial of Michael McKevitt, the alleged Real IRA chief.
McKevitt has been charged with directing RIRA terrorism.
Sources close to the Real IRA last night said they were unaware that a major undercover operation involving British, Irish and US security services had reportedly laid bare the murky grouping. However, a London newspaper claims that Rupert, a former lorry driver from Illinois, has gathered crucial evidence of the dissidents' operations and membership after attending bugged meetings of its ruling army council.
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It is reported that McKevitt became close to Rupert three years ago and introduced him to other key figures in the Real IRA.
The 6ft 4in, 20-stone American, whose own past is shrouded in mystery, is thought to have become involved in the Irish republican movement in 1997 and has since made several trans-Atlantic visits.
He was then recruited by the MI5 and FBI to spy on the activities of the Real IRA's political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee.
According to reports, he raised money which flowed through a bank account in the border town of Dundalk where McKevitt lived with his wife Bernadette Sands, sister of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Handlers
But at the same time it is claimed he was passing on vital information to his security force handlers.
It is now claimed Rupert and his family are living under guard in the United States under a witness protection programme which will provide his family with new identities. Marion Price, chairperson of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association and member of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, last night said she was mystified by the reports.
By ALAN ERWIN, PA News
The Real IRA has been cracked open by an MI5 spy who is set to testify at the trial of the terror group's suspected leader.
An American double agent infiltrated the dissident group which planted the Omagh bomb by posing as a wealthy benefactor, it was claimed last night. David Rupert has now been lined up as a key witness at the Dublin trial of Michael McKevitt, the alleged Real IRA chief.
McKevitt has been charged with directing RIRA terrorism.
Sources close to the Real IRA last night said they were unaware that a major undercover operation involving British, Irish and US security services had reportedly laid bare the murky grouping. However, a London newspaper claims that Rupert, a former lorry driver from Illinois, has gathered crucial evidence of the dissidents' operations and membership after attending bugged meetings of its ruling army council.
Close
It is reported that McKevitt became close to Rupert three years ago and introduced him to other key figures in the Real IRA.
The 6ft 4in, 20-stone American, whose own past is shrouded in mystery, is thought to have become involved in the Irish republican movement in 1997 and has since made several trans-Atlantic visits.
He was then recruited by the MI5 and FBI to spy on the activities of the Real IRA's political wing, the 32 County Sovereignty Committee.
According to reports, he raised money which flowed through a bank account in the border town of Dundalk where McKevitt lived with his wife Bernadette Sands, sister of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Handlers
But at the same time it is claimed he was passing on vital information to his security force handlers.
It is now claimed Rupert and his family are living under guard in the United States under a witness protection programme which will provide his family with new identities. Marion Price, chairperson of the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association and member of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, last night said she was mystified by the reports.
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/115
Published Date: 18-Apr-01
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