Legal Action considered over MI5 approach in Croatia

The UK’s security service MI5 have approached Derry man Daniel McBrearty in Croatia on Saturday 12 April 2025.  

On Saturday Mr. McBrearty who has been working in Croatia was approached by a male and female undercover MI5 agent, who attempted to recruit Mr. McBrearty.   Over the last number of months Mr. McBrearty has been working in Croatia with a local construction company. 

McBrearty who comes from a well known republican family in Derry was en-route to a laundrette with a work colleague, when the female security services agent approached them. Mr McBrearty work colleague was approached by a undercover officer and was asked questions about his parking outside the launderette.  During this Mr. McBrearty headed towards the laundrette when an unknown male security services agent attempted to recruit Mr. McBrearty, with the offer of employment and money in exchange for information.   Mr McBrearty who has been approached before made it abundantly clear that he is not interested in working for them. 

In the days following the attempt Mr. McBrearty has been subjected to overt surveillance policing by local law enforcement in Croatia. Mr. McBrearty has been followed and photographed on several occasions. 

Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law said,

“Our client immediately rejected their offer and made it clear that he has no interest in working for the security services.  The laundrette also informed Mr. McBrearty that the male and female has previously attended the laundrette asking questions about Mr. McBrearty and what business he had in the laundrette.  Mr. McBrearty is highly concerned by the events of the last number of days and wishes to be allowed to work in peace, free from harassment of the security services.

Our client is now considering all avenues including a complaint to the Police Ombudsman, IPT and civil case against the Security Services for Harassment”