Daniel Khalife Sentenced to Over 14 Years for Espionage and Prison Escape

Daniel Khalife, a former British soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years for spying for Iran and escaping from Wandsworth prison. He gathered sensitive military information, including the names of special forces personnel, and attempted to communicate with Iranian contacts. Khalife’s escape prompted a costly manhunt and highlighted security lapses in the prison system.

Former British Army soldier Daniel Khalife has been sentenced to 14 years and 3 months in prison for espionage on behalf of Iran, coupled with escaping from Wandsworth prison. Khalife, aged 23, conveyed sensitive information, including the identities of special forces soldiers, to Iranian authorities. He gained notoriety for his escape, which unfolded when he strapped himself to the underside of a food delivery truck, leading to a subsequent nationwide manhunt.

Khalife’s activities, which included breaching the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act, began shortly after he joined the Army in September 2018. Early involvement with Iranian contacts through social media led to him receiving payments for sensitive information. The severity of his actions is underscored by a psychological evaluation that diagnosed him with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

The court’s verdict underscores the grave security risks posed by Khalife, whose actions undermined national security. His escape not only raised serious concerns regarding prison security but also led to substantial financial costs for the police during his manhunt. Ultimately, Khalife’s case illustrates the significant repercussions of espionage and the failure of security protocols within the prison system.

Original Source: www.bbc.com