Fact Check: "UK's Operation Wedlock spanned 20 years hunting a suspected Russian double agent."
What We Know
Operation Wedlock was a significant investigation conducted by MI5, the United Kingdom's domestic intelligence agency, aimed at uncovering a suspected Russian double agent within MI6, the UK's foreign intelligence service. This operation reportedly lasted for approximately 20 years, beginning in the mid-1990s and continuing until at least 2015 (Wikipedia, The Guardian). The investigation was prompted by concerns that a high-ranking official within MI6 was leaking sensitive information to the Russian government, which led to an extensive and prolonged search for the mole (The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim that Operation Wedlock spanned 20 years is supported by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry on Operation Wedlock confirms the timeline and purpose of the investigation, stating that it was a 20-year effort by MI5 to identify a suspected Russian double agent within MI6 (Wikipedia). Furthermore, a report by The Guardian elaborates on the details of the operation, indicating that it was a highly sensitive and extensive investigation that lasted from the mid-1990s to at least 2015 (The Guardian).
The reliability of these sources is generally high. Wikipedia entries are often scrutinized and updated, particularly on topics related to national security and intelligence, which tend to attract attention from experts and historians. The Guardian is a reputable news organization known for its investigative journalism, particularly in matters of national security and intelligence (The Guardian).
However, it is important to note that while the sources confirm the duration and purpose of Operation Wedlock, they do not provide exhaustive details about the specific events or findings of the investigation, which may lead to some ambiguity about the operation's outcomes.
Conclusion
The claim that "UK's Operation Wedlock spanned 20 years hunting a suspected Russian double agent" is True. The evidence from reliable sources clearly supports the assertion that Operation Wedlock was a lengthy investigation by MI5 aimed at identifying a suspected mole within MI6, lasting from the mid-1990s until at least 2015.
