In September 2023, a former soldier tied himself to the underside of a food delivery truck and slipped out of one of Britain's most famous prisons, sparking a nationwide manhunt. The escape of Daniel Khalife from HMP Wandsworth exposed serious security flaws and raised questions about how prisoners can coordinate with people on the outside. Two men, Adeel Khan and Imran Chowdhury, are now on trial for allegedly helping him.
Khalife was serving time at HMP Wandsworth in south London when he absconded by clinging to the bottom of a food lorry. He had been accused of spying for Iran—charges for which he was later convicted and sentenced to 14 years and three months. His escape triggered a massive police operation that ended when he was arrested on a canal towpath days later.
“How Daniel Khalife escaped from Wandsworth prison with help from the inside and outside.”
According to prosecutors at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Khan, a fellow prisoner, played the role of an inside instructor, while Chowdhury acted as the "man on the ground" supplying money. Khan and Khalife had worked together in the prison kitchen and "must have known each other well," the court heard. A red diary found in Khalife's possession after his arrest contained Khan's name, an illegal prison phone number, his personal mobile number, and his Snapchat account. Khalife was also carrying around £200 in £20 notes, which the prosecution alleged came from a £400 withdrawal made by Chowdhury at a cash machine in Richmond on the day of the escape. Chowdhury was paid £120 for his help.
In the hours after the escape, Khalife called Khan several times using phones borrowed from members of the public. That evening, Khan messaged his then-girlfriend with Chowdhury's bank details, asking her to "put 120£ in this ac… please thank u baby." After the £120 arrived, Chowdhury met Khalife in Richmond—a meeting the prosecution said Khan had been instrumental in arranging. The two were seen walking along a street at 22:38 before entering an alley.
For UK readers, this case is a stark reminder that prison escapes, though rare, can happen even in high-security settings. It highlights vulnerabilities in prisoner monitoring, the use of contraband phones, and how inmates can orchestrate complex plans with outside help. The involvement of a convicted spy also raises national security concerns.
Q: How did Daniel Khalife escape from prison? He escaped from HMP Wandsworth by tying himself to the underside of a food delivery truck. He was discovered missing after the truck had left the prison, and a nationwide manhunt ensued. He was arrested a few days later.
Q: Who is accused of helping him? Two friends, Adeel Khan and Imran Chowdhury, are on trial. Khan was inside the prison and allegedly provided instructions, while Chowdhury supplied money from outside. Both have pleaded not guilty to assisting an escape.
Q: What were the consequences of the escape? Khalife was rearrested and later sentenced to 14 years and three months for spying for Iran. The escape led to a review of prison security procedures, and the trial of his alleged helpers is ongoing.
What happens next: The trial of Khan and Chowdhury continues at Snaresbrook Crown Court. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks. The case may prompt further changes to prison security, especially regarding the use of contraband phones and the vetting of prisoners working in sensitive areas like kitchens.
