Brian Nelson

Brian Nelson (1948 – April 11, 2003) was a British Army Intelligence Corps agent who also operated as the intelligence chief of the Ulster Defence Association terrorist organization.

In 1988 Nelson arranged a shipment of 200 AK47 assault rifles, 90 pistols, 500 grenades, 30,000 rounds of ammunition and 12 RPG 7 rocket launchers from South Africa and these weapons were passed to pro-British terrorists in Belfast. It is estimated that the South African weapons have been used in well over 100 murders.

On his return to Belfast, Nelson was given the code number Agent 6137, and he rose 'with surprising rapidity' becoming the UFF's senior intelligence officer for the whole of Northern Ireland. A Military Intelligence Source Report from 3 May 1988 stated:

"Since 6137 took up his position as intelligence officer, the targeting has developed and become more professional"

The FRU helped Nelson to compile targeting data, and to computerise the UDA's files which included existing material supplied by RUC and UDR sources. 80 people on Nelson's files were attacked, 29 of whom were shot dead.

Six days before the report by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens into FRU - MI5 collusion in murder, Brian Nelson who had fled to Canada and was in hiding, died of a massive brain haemorrhage.

Brian Nelson's handler was Margaret Walshaw who was a Sergeant in the British Army FRU during the period 1986 - 1990. Walshaw was promoted from the ranks to Captain in April 1998 and subsequently worked in the Defense Intelligence and Security Centre at Chicksands Bedfordshire.