Daniel Khalife Sentenced to 14 Years for Espionage and Prison Escape

LONDON:  Daniel Khalife has been sentenced to 14 years and three months for spying for Iran and escaping from prison. He was arrested after a nationwide manhunt following his escape from Wandsworth prison in September 2023. Khalife, 23, was indicted for breaking the Authority Mysteries Act and the Illegal intimidation Act. He showed no reaction as he was led from the courtroom.

Military Betrayal

Khalife joined the British Army at 16 in 2018 and soon contacted Iranian intelligence. Prosecutors said he passed sensitive information, including special forces soldiers’ names. He exploited a military system flaw to gather full names of 15 soldiers. The data was later found on his phone, but he denied sending it to Iran.

Secret Dealings

In 2019, Khalife retrieved $2,000 from a park in London as part of his dealings with Iranian agents. He contacted MI6, claiming he wanted to be a “double agent.” However, MI6 ignored him, as he withheld details of his military service. His lawyer described his actions as “hapless” rather than sophisticated espionage.

Prison Break

While awaiting trial, Khalife escaped from Wandsworth prison by strapping himself to a food delivery truck. His escape triggered a massive 75-hour manhunt, costing over £250,000 in police overtime. He was eventually caught riding a stolen bike in north-west London.

Failed Contacts

While on the run, Khalife attempted to contact Iranian handlers via Telegram, sending a message that read: “I wait.” He received no response. Authorities believe much of his communication with Iranian contacts remains unknown due to encrypted messaging.

Security Failures

An audit after his escape revealed 81 security lapses at Wandsworth prison. On the day of his escape, 40% of officers failed to report for duty. Following the incident, long-overdue security upgrades were implemented, including fixing CCTV cameras.

Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police called Khalife’s actions “reckless and dangerous.” The full extent of the information he shared with Iran may never be known.