How Daniel Khalife Escaped Prison and Evaded Capture for 75 Hours
Daniel Khalife’s daring escape from HMP Wandsworth sparked a nationwide manhunt lasting 75 hours before his capture.
Daniel Khalife, HMP Wandsworth, London, UK, Escape, Manhunt
London: Daniel Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth, triggering a massive manhunt. It lasted 75 hours and involved police dogs and helicopters.
During his time on the run, Khalife was spotted shopping at Marks & Spencer and drinking coffee at McDonald’s. He even stole a hat from Mountain Warehouse.
He was finally caught by the River Thames on September 9, 2023. When arrested, he congratulated the officer who caught him.
Details of his escape came out during his trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Khalife pleaded guilty to escaping from prison.
He was also accused of sharing secret information with Iranian agents while in the Royal Corps of Signals. He was convicted of breaching the Official Secrets Act and Terrorism Act.
Khalife was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison. His escape plan involved hiding under a food delivery truck.
He had attached a makeshift sling to the truck five days before his escape. Khalife wanted to be moved to a high-security unit for safety.
On September 6, he was taken to the kitchen area of the prison. He clung to the truck as it left the prison grounds.
A woman driving behind the truck saw him crawl out after it stopped at traffic lights. The prison staff realized he was missing during a headcount.
Over 150 police officers worked around the clock to find him. They received over 100 tips from the public and offered a £20,000 reward.
Police found the strapping Khalife used to escape during a search of the delivery van. CCTV footage showed him shopping in Richmond.
He bought clothes and a mobile phone while on the run. Police helicopters searched Richmond Park and the surrounding areas.
On September 8, he bought a newspaper in Chiswick. The next morning, he was seen at a McDonald’s before changing his clothes.
Just before 11 am on September 9, he was arrested on a canal towpath in Northolt. He had a mountain bike and a bag with cash and receipts.
The arresting officer described Khalife as friendly and jovial. After four days on the run, he was taken back into custody.
Khalife was moved to a high-security prison after his escape. An audit found 81 security failings at HMP Wandsworth following the incident.
In response, the prison received funding for security improvements to prevent future escapes.