Daniel Khalife, a former soldier who orchestrated a dramatic escape from Wandsworth Prison by clinging to the underside of a food delivery van, has been convicted of spying for Iran. The 23-year-old, who once served in the Royal Corps of Signals, was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of sharing classified military information with Iranian intelligence.
Espionage and Escape
Khalife’s conviction revealed a calculated espionage operation in which he passed sensitive information, including details about SAS and SBS personnel, to Iranian handlers in exchange for £1,500. Prosecutors said Khalife first contacted Iranian agents within a month of joining the British Army in 2018 and used fake email accounts to facilitate the exchange of classified data.
While awaiting trial for his crimes, Khalife escaped from Wandsworth Prison on September 6, 2023. Using bed sheets as a makeshift sling, he strapped himself to the underside of a food delivery van and clung on as it left the facility. His daring escape prompted a four-day nationwide manhunt, during which he managed to evade capture by “pencil rolling” from the van and moving stealthily across London.
Manhunt and Arrest
The escape triggered a massive police operation amid fears that Khalife might flee to Iran. After eluding authorities for days, Khalife was apprehended on the footpath of the Grand Union Canal in Northolt, West London. When questioned, Khalife described his escape as reckless and said he had not realized the full danger of his actions until the van reached high speeds.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Scotland Yard’s SO15 Counter Terrorism Command, said, “It’s fair to say in the first 24 to 36 hours, we had no idea where he was. He could have been anywhere.”
Espionage Activities
Evidence presented at trial showed that Khalife gathered sensitive military intelligence, including classified passwords and details about personnel serving in elite military units. He travelled to Istanbul in 2020 under the guise of a holiday to meet Iranian handlers and was paid in cash and delivered in a dog poo bag.
In 2021, Khalife captured screenshots of secret systems and photographed a list of SAS and SBS personnel. Despite claiming during the trial that his actions were a “double bluff” to act as a double agent for MI6, the jury rejected his defence.
Courtroom Revelations
Prosecutors described Khalife as a “Walter Mitty” character who enjoyed the thrill of deception and espionage. Commander Murphy said, “Khalife’s actions were deeply damaging, and his ego-driven fantasies have had serious consequences.”
During the trial, Khalife admitted escaping from prison but continued to deny the charges of espionage. His sentencing date has yet to be announced.
National Security Implications
The case highlights significant concerns about insider threats within the armed forces. Khalife’s access to high-level military intelligence, including NATO’s second-highest security clearance, has prompted calls for stricter vetting processes.
Next Steps
Khalife remains in custody and faces a lengthy prison sentence for his actions. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing similar breaches in the future.
