Fact Check: "Operation Wedlock was the longest and most expensive MI5 investigation in recent memory."
What We Know
Operation Wedlock was a significant investigation conducted by MI5, the UK's domestic intelligence agency, aimed at uncovering a potential mole within MI6, the foreign intelligence service. The operation reportedly began in the mid-1990s and continued for approximately 20 years, concluding around 2015, when the officer of interest had already left MI6 (The Guardian, iAsk). The investigation was prompted by a tip-off from the CIA, which suspected that a British intelligence official was leaking information to Russia (iAsk, AA).
The scale of Operation Wedlock was considerable, involving a dedicated team of up to 35 officers who undertook extensive surveillance, including international trips (The Guardian). However, despite the lengthy duration and significant resources allocated, MI5 was unable to conclusively determine whether there was indeed a mole within MI6 (iAsk).
Analysis
The claim that Operation Wedlock was the "longest and most expensive" MI5 investigation is supported by the duration of the operation, which lasted nearly two decades. This timeframe is indeed notable compared to other investigations conducted by MI5, particularly given the high stakes involved in potentially identifying a double agent (The Guardian, iAsk). However, the term "most expensive" is more difficult to substantiate, as specific financial details regarding the costs of MI5 operations are typically classified or not publicly disclosed.
While the investigation's scale and duration suggest it was a significant undertaking, the lack of conclusive results raises questions about its effectiveness. The inability to confirm the existence of a mole, despite extensive efforts, indicates that while it may have been extensive, its ultimate success is ambiguous (AA, iAsk).
Furthermore, the reliability of sources discussing Operation Wedlock varies. The Guardian and iAsk provide detailed accounts based on insider information, which lends credibility to their reports. However, without official MI5 disclosures on the operation's costs, the claim regarding expense remains speculative.
Conclusion
The claim that "Operation Wedlock was the longest and most expensive MI5 investigation in recent memory" is Partially True. The investigation's duration of nearly 20 years is well-documented and suggests a significant commitment of resources. However, the assertion of it being the "most expensive" lacks concrete evidence, as financial specifics are not publicly available. Thus, while the claim holds merit in terms of duration, it cannot be fully substantiated regarding expense.
