FBI agent returning to Ireland to testify against dissident republicans
American FBI agent David Rupert is understood to be making travel arrangements this weekend to return to Ireland to give evidence against more dissident republicans.
The man responsible for putting Real IRA chief Michael McKevitt behind bars for 20 years for directing terrorism is believed to be setting his sights on the dissident Continuity IRA.
The American claimed in court that he was invited to Real IRA Army Council meetings by McKevitt and that he also met with leading members of the Continuity IRA during his time spying in Ireland for the FBI, MI5 and An Garda Síochána.
Rupert played a significant role in infiltrating the Real IRA and his return to Ireland is being viewed with some concern by a number of men linked to the Continuity IRA.
One dissident republican told Daily Ireland: “Rupert is supposed to be coming back over the weekend. It’s fair to say people are worried.”
The agent claims to have been asked to procure weapons by a senior figure in Republican Sinn Féin which is said to be the political front for the Continuity IRA.
It is understood a safe address for the delivery of the weapons was supplied to Rupert and conversations between senior paramilitary figures were also recorded on tape by the American.
A meeting of top dissident republicans was also monitored by Irish security forces after a tip off from Rupert, who was also noted attending an annual meeting of Republican Sinn Féin.
At a time when the Continuity IRA is recruiting heavily throughout Ireland, Rupert’s imminent return has serious implications for groups that are continuing to oppose the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process.
