Iran-Linked Terror Suspect Daniel Khalife Arrested in West London
British authorities confirmed the apprehension of Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier with alleged ties to Iran, following a four-day manhunt in West London.
British authorities confirmed the apprehension of Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier with alleged ties to Iran, following a four-day manhunt in West London.
Scotland Yard disclosed that Khalife had been taken into custody in the Chiswick area, located approximately four miles away from Wandsworth prison, where he had managed to escape on Wednesday morning.
Presently, Khalife remains in police custody, facing a range of charges including espionage on behalf of an undisclosed enemy state, suspected to be Iran, as well as the acquisition of information with the potential to aid acts of terrorism and a conspiracy to orchestrate a false bomb threat.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his satisfaction with Khalife's arrest and offered commendations to both law enforcement officers and the public for their unwavering dedication in locating the fugitive. Speaking at the G20 summit in Delhi, the Prime Minister also revealed the initiation of an inquiry by the justice secretary into the circumstances surrounding Khalife's escape, emphasizing that this investigation would persist.
On Friday, the police officially confirmed that Khalife had been observed emerging from beneath a lorry at Wandsworth Roundabout shortly after his escape. In a bid to facilitate his capture, authorities had issued a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Daniel Abed Khalife embarked on his military career in 2019, stationed at MoD Stafford, also known as Beacon Barracks, prior to his disappearance on January 2. The incident was linked to an alleged bomb hoax. Subsequent court proceedings at Westminster Magistrates' Court unveiled allegations of Khalife planting mock explosive devices with the intent of inducing fear.
