Operation Kenova is a criminal investigation into whether the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland failed to investigate as many as 18 murders in order to protect a high level double agent codenamed Stakeknife working for the Force Research Unit, while at the same time, well placed within the Provisional Irish Republican Army. The initial investigation was headed by Jon Boutcher, former Chief constable of Bedfordshire Police until his appointment as Chief constable of Northern Ireland Police Service in 2023.