Nick Kaldas: Top cop to help international police probe into IRA murders

FORMER NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas is one of six international police officers appointed to oversee one of the biggest investigations ever undertaken into murders committed by the IRA

Former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas. Picture: Craig Greenhill

FORMER NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas is one of six international police officers appointed to oversee one of the biggest investigations ever undertaken into IRA murders.

In a first for an Australian law enforcement officer, Mr Kaldas will be part of the steering committee scrutinising the investigation into Stakeknife, a spy who allegedly infiltrated the Provisional Irish Republican Army and was linked to 50 murders. Stakeknife was named as Freddie Scappaticci, but he always denied the allegation.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to help get to the truth for the family of the victims,” Mr Kaldas said.

BBC News footage of Irish Republican Army veteran Freddie Scappaticci, who has repeatddly been accused of being the infamous double agent “Stakeknife”. Picture: BBC

Former Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Kaldas.

“The committee will offer guidance, support and be a sounding board when necessary to Operation Kenova.”

One of the state’s most respected police officers, Mr Kaldas left the force in March after years of tensions with Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Deputy Commissioner Cath Burn over allegations of the bugging of Kaldas and other officers.

Mr Kaldas is in Australia to attend a tribute night in his honour which is to be attended by nearly 800 former colleagues and friends.