A British MI5 operative has been captured on video after attempting to recruit a member of Saoradh in Gortin, County Tyrone, the party has said.

The individual, posing as a contractor, initially approached a Saoradh member under the guise of seeking assistance with work. A meeting was subsequently arranged to discuss what was claimed to be an outdoor maintenance contract.

During the meeting, the individual revealed his true identity as an MI5 agent. He attempted to coerce the Republican activist by claiming they were in “bad company” and should distance themselves from Saoradh. The operative then produced an envelope containing cash in an effort to bribe the member.

The Saoradh activist immediately challenged the agent and began recording the encounter.

In the video, the alleged MI5 operative then concealed his face and fled the scene, jumping into a waiting vehicle which sped off in the direction of Derry. The driver of the vehicle also appears to take steps to hide their identity.

“Despite these efforts to obscure their faces, Saoradh can clearly identify and now reveal the image of this particular British intelligence operative and the vehicle they used,” they said.

“This incident once again highlights the ongoing campaign of harassment, intimidation, and attempted recruitment directed at Irish Republicans by the British state. Such actions expose the desperation of the MI5 apparatus as they continue to target ordinary working-class Republicans in a futile attempt to undermine our political work.

“Saoradh commends the vigilance and steadfastness of our member in the face of this latest act of political interference and reiterates our commitment to exposing and resisting British intelligence activity in Ireland.”