GR translation: but later, as it developed

[Mike Jing]

V32.39-33.6, P33.18-25   It’s as useful to him as he is to the Firm—who, it
is well known, will use anyone, traitors, murderers, perverts, Negroes,
even women, to get what They want. They may not’ve been that sure of
Pirate’s usefulness at first, but later, as it developed, They were to grow
very sure, indeed.
       “Major-General, you can’t actually give your support to this.”
       “We’re watching him around the clock. He certainly isn’t leaving the
premises physically.”

What does the "it" in "as it developed" refer to here?