Today in Focus Revisited: the spy cops scandal (part 2)
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Mar 9, 2025 
Rob Evans, an investigative journalist from The Guardian, teams up with Frank Bennett, who shares a heartrending story about his brother’s identity being hijacked by an undercover cop. They delve into the harrowing reality of police using the identities of deceased children. Frank discusses the deep emotional scars left on his family and the shocking deception they endured. They also explore the inquiry’s frustrations and ethical dilemmas surrounding undercover operations, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability in policing.
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Family Tragedy
- Frank Bennett's brother, Michael, died at sea in 1968, leaving a void in their family.
- This tragedy deeply impacted their mother, leading to her decline and eventual death in 1977.
Stolen Identities
- Undercover police officers stole identities of dead children to create aliases for their double lives.
- This practice aimed to provide seemingly legitimate backgrounds during infiltration of political groups.
Michael's Identity Stolen
- The police stole Michael Hartley's identity, using it to infiltrate socialist and communist groups.
- This action created a false criminal record for Michael and involved a sexual relationship with an activist.