Daniel Abed Khalife, born on September 27, 2001, in London, England, is a former British Army soldier who gained national attention due to his involvement in espionage activities and a high-profile prison escape. His actions have had significant implications for national security and have been widely covered in the media.
Early Life and Education
Khalife was born in Marylebone, Westminster, London. He later moved to Kingston upon Thames in southwest London, where he lived with his mother and sister. He attended Teddington School, a mixed comprehensive institution known for its good academic results. Khalife completed his General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in 2018, passing ten subjects. Despite his academic achievements, he expressed dissatisfaction with his educational experience, citing struggles with learning and a lack of enjoyment in school.
Growing up in a lower-income family within an affluent area, Khalife felt a sense of shame about his modest family home and refrained from inviting friends over. This socioeconomic disparity contributed to his feelings of isolation during his formative years.
Personal Life and Family
Details about Khalife’s family life are limited. He was raised by his mother alongside his sister in Kingston upon Thames. His mother has described him as someone who “lives in a fantasy world” and often does not consider the consequences of his actions. As a teenager, Khalife developed obsessions with fitness, the Special Air Service (SAS), and video games like Grand Theft Auto. These interests may have influenced his later decisions and aspirations.
Khalife’s mother attempted to intervene in his life choices, especially when his behavior became problematic. Despite her efforts, she often found herself unable to prevent his actions, leading to feelings of helplessness. She has expressed concerns about his mental well-being and believes that he needs professional help
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Abed Khalife |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Former Soldier |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Parents’ Names | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Not publicly available |
Military Career
In 2018, at the age of 16, Khalife enlisted in the British Army, joining the Royal Corps of Signals as a network engineer. He was stationed at Beacon Barracks in Stafford.
His decision to join the military was partly motivated by a desire to escape what he described as a “very strict” upbringing.
During his service, Khalife aspired to join the SAS, but his ambitions were hindered due to his Iranian heritage. He struggled with military discipline and faced numerous punishments for various infractions. His behavior included ordering illegal items and creating dangerous situations, which raised concerns among his superiors.
Khalife’s military career took a darker turn when he began collecting sensitive information about British soldiers, including those from elite units like the SAS and Special Boat Service (SBS). He allegedly shared this information with Iranian contacts, breaching the Official Secrets Act. His actions exposed military personnel to serious harm and compromised national security.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
In January 2022, Khalife was accused of leaving a fake explosive device on his desk and unlawfully accessing personal information about British soldiers. He was arrested for breaching the Official Secrets Act and was bailed pending charges. In January 2023, he fled but was recaptured and held on remand. He was discharged from the army in May 2023.
On September 6, 2023, while awaiting trial at HM Prison Wandsworth in London, Khalife executed a daring escape by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck. His escape led to a nationwide police search and caused delays at major transport hubs. After three days, he was captured by the Metropolitan Police near Northolt, Middlesex.
In November 2024, Khalife was found guilty of spying for Iran. On February 3, 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison. The court described him as a “dangerous fool” motivated by a selfish desire to show off.
Khalife’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaching national security and the importance of integrity within the armed forces.
Latest News
As of February 3, 2025, Daniel Khalife has been sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison for espionage and his escape from HM Prison Wandsworth. The court emphasized the severity of his actions and their potential impact on national security.
Physical Appearance
Specific details about Daniel Khalife’s height and physical appearance are not publicly available. Photographs from court appearances depict him as a young male with short dark hair.
Social Media Accounts
As of now, there are no verified social media accounts associated with Daniel Khalife.
Net Worth as of 2025
There is no publicly available information regarding Daniel Khalife’s net worth as of 2025. Given his military background and subsequent legal issues, it is unlikely that he has accumulated significant personal wealth.
Daniel Khalife’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaching national security and the importance of integrity within the armed forces.
FAQS
Who is Daniel Khalife?
Daniel Khalife is a former British Army soldier who was convicted of espionage and a high-profile prison escape in the UK. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2025.
2. What was Daniel Khalife convicted of?
Khalife was found guilty of spying for Iran, collecting sensitive military data, and escaping from HM Prison Wandsworth in London in 2023.
3. When and how did Daniel Khalife escape from prison?
On September 6, 2023, Khalife escaped from HM Prison Wandsworth by hiding under a food delivery truck. He was recaptured three days later near Northolt, Middlesex.
4. What was Daniel Khalife’s military background?
Khalife joined the British Army in 2018 as a network engineer in the Royal Corps of Signals. He was stationed at Beacon Barracks in Stafford before being arrested.
5. What is known about Daniel Khalife’s personal life?
Khalife grew up in Kingston upon Thames with his mother and sister. His mother described him as living in a “fantasy world” and struggling with authority.
6. Does Daniel Khalife have any social media accounts?
No, Khalife does not have any verified social media accounts. Due to his criminal convictions, he is unlikely to maintain an online presence.
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