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Today in Focus

Revisited: The spy cops scandal (part 1)

Mar 8, 2025
Paul Lewis, Guardian's investigative editor, and Rob Evans, investigative reporter, unravel the shocking spy cops scandal that led to undercover officers infiltrating political groups under false identities. They share chilling accounts, including Jessica's revelation that her partner was secretly an undercover cop. The duo explores the ethical ramifications of these undercover operations, the emotional toll on both officers and their targets, and the lasting impact of such betrayals on trust and relationships within activist communities.
46:08

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Spy Cops scandal reveals a troubling history of undercover officers using false identities to infiltrate political groups and exploit personal relationships.
  • Jessica's story highlights the emotional trauma and violation experienced by women deceived by undercover officers, raising concerns about trust and consent.

Deep dives

Unmasking the Spy Cops Scandal

The scandal surrounding undercover police officers in the UK involves at least 25 officers who formed intimate relationships with activists while using false identities. This unethical practice has been a point of contention, particularly as three of these officers fathered children with women they deceived. The revelation first came to light in 2020, with ongoing investigations led by journalists who collaborated with affected activists to uncover the full extent of these covert operations. The long-standing surveillance of political groups stands as one of the most significant secrets in modern policing, raising serious ethical questions about trust and transparency.

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