Daniel Khalife, a terror suspect, managed to escape from HMP Wandsworth last September by strapping himself onto the underside of a food catering truck using a sling made from kitchen trousers. His escape was not noticed until two days later when officers honed in on him.
Khalife pleaded guilty to escaping from prison. He had hoped to be transferred to a high-security unit in another prison after his recapture. Despite planning a fake escape attempt, Khalife resorted to a genuine escape when the incident was not reported to senior prison staff.
The former soldier also faced accusations of spying for Iran while working for the British army. However, he continues to deny all other charges against him.
The Metropolitan Police commended Khalife’s ingenuity in escaping from prison. Following his escape, officers conducted an intelligence-led search in the Richmond area. Resources, including helicopters, police dogs, and officers searching back gardens, were deployed to track down Khalife.
After a member of the public reported seeing Khalife in Chiswick, officers were able to confirm sightings and eventually arrest him on a canal towpath in Northolt. The arrest was made possible through close collaboration with intelligence partners in counterterrorism.
Khalife’s capture marked the end of his 75 hours on the run, showcasing the dedication and efforts of law enforcement in bringing a fugitive to justice. The detailed account of his escape and subsequent capture highlights the importance of intelligence-led operations in tracking down suspects and ensuring public safety.
Despite Khalife’s elaborate escape plan and attempt to avoid being housed with “sex offenders” and “terrorists,” the law eventually caught up with him. The case serves as a reminder that no matter how clever a criminal’s escape plan may be, law enforcement agencies are equipped to pursue and apprehend those who seek to evade justice.
