Daniel Khalife: the spy who blew his own cover – and exposed gaping holes in UK security

When the ex-British army soldier was found guilty last week of passing secrets to Iran, it set off alarm bells over the military’s vulnerability to the threat of infiltration

On 9 November 2021, a call was made to MI5’s public hotline for reporting national security concerns. The man did not give his name but identified himself as a soldier in the British army – and the concern he was reporting was himself.

The anonymous caller told the UK’s domestic security service he had been in contact with Iran for more than two years but now wanted to help his country by becoming a double agent.

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Daniel Khalife, UK Prison Escapee, Is Convicted of Spying for Iran

Daniel Khalife also pleaded guilty to an escape from a London jail, strapped underneath a truck with a sling made of trousers, that embarrassed the British authorities.
World - The New York Times - 2 days ago
Daniel Khalife found guilty of spying for Iran

Khalife first contacted a man linked to Iranian intelligence soon after joining the British Army, his trial heard.
Top stories - BBC News - 2 days ago
Former soldier Daniel Khalife found guilty of spying for Iran

Khalife convicted of two counts relating to espionage, having admitted to prison escape while on remand. Daniel Khalife: fantasist or player in world of spies? A former soldier whose prison ...
World - The Guardian - 2 days ago
Daniel Khalife was a British soldier who spied for Iran and dreamed of fame

With hopes of becoming a double agent, Khalife was a fantasist - as well as a genuine security threat.
Top stories - BBC News - 2 days ago
Ex-soldier Khalife changes plea and admits prison escape

He remains on trial at Woolwich Crown Court on three other charges.
Top stories - BBC News - November 11
Daniel Khalife: a fantasist or a player in the world of spies?

The young man who escaped Wandsworth prison offered a mixed picture of ineptitude and threat, according to police. At the heart of the Daniel Khalife trial has been the question: is he an ...
World - The Guardian - 2 days ago
The scientist who tested his revolutionary medicine on his own brain cancer: ‘It seemed worth it to give it a crack’

Richard Scolyer was one of the world’s leading melanoma researchers when he was struck with a brain tumour. Facing likely death, his team made him a guinea pig for his own medicine. Sign up for a ...
World - The Guardian - November 2
Daniel Khalife denies asking Iran for help after prison escape

The former soldier has pleaded guilty to escaping from prison but still faces other charges.
Top stories - BBC News - November 13
Khalife: Prison escape a bid to get put in high security unit

The alleged Iranian spy tells court he attached a sling made of trousers to the bottom of a lorry.
Top stories - BBC News - November 1