A man has been charged with assisting a former British soldier who was convicted of spying for Iran in his escape from a London prison. Imran Chowdhury, 25, has been charged with one count of assisting an escaped prisoner for helping Daniel Khalife after he broke out of Wandsworth prison in September 2023, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Khalife managed to escape by strapping himself beneath a food delivery truck, sparking a massive police search that lasted for three days. Khalife, 23, was later convicted in November of violating Britain’s Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act for collecting information useful to Iran. He is awaiting sentencing later this year.
Details of the assistance provided by Chowdhury to Khalife during his escape have not been disclosed by the police. However, a 25-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of aiding Khalife will not be facing charges, as per the police statement.
During his trial, Khalife claimed that his interactions with the Iranian government were part of a plan to act as a double agent for Britain. His defense attorney, however, characterized his actions as more akin to 'Scooby Doo' than James Bond.
Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of Khalife's crime, stating that he had passed on secret and sensitive information that could have jeopardized the safety of other troops. The case has raised concerns about national security and the potential risks posed by individuals engaging in espionage activities.
