British Soldier Sentenced for Espionage: Khalife's Double Agent Fantasy and Prison Escape

February 3, 2025
British Soldier Sentenced for Espionage: Khalife's Double Agent Fantasy and Prison Escape
  • Over a two-year period, Khalife established contact with multiple Iranian agents, even initiating communications himself through social media.

  • Khalife's elaborate plot to become a double agent was inspired by the TV show 'Homeland' and stemmed from frustrations regarding his Iranian heritage.

  • Despite reaching out to MI5 and MI6, Khalife continued to betray his country, sharing sensitive information that jeopardized military personnel.

  • A psychological report diagnosed Khalife with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which may influence his sentencing.

  • Khalife's escape from prison has prompted an inquiry into the flaws in the UK correctional system, leading to the arrest of two men for aiding his escape.

  • Daniel Khalife, a 23-year-old British soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years and three months for espionage activities on behalf of Iran and for escaping from prison.

  • He fantasized about being a double agent, likening himself to James Bond, and made unreciprocated offers of service to MI5 and MI6.

  • Khalife has been described as a 'dangerous fool' and the 'ultimate Walter Mitty character' due to his reckless actions and delusions of grandeur.

  • Serving in the Royal Corps of Signals, Khalife had security clearance that allowed him access to sensitive military information, raising concerns about potential diplomatic repercussions.

  • The Metropolitan Police have emphasized the serious threat posed by state espionage, welcoming Khalife's sentence as a warning against sharing sensitive information.

  • Motivated by a desire to prove himself to UK security agencies, Khalife felt that his Iranian background hindered his military intelligence career.

  • The case raises serious questions about national security and the oversight of Khalife by military and intelligence authorities, given his previous flagging as a security risk.

Summary based on 17 sources


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