Terror Suspect Clung to Van to Escape Prison, Likely With Inside Help

The suspect, who was reportedly accused by the FBI of spying on behalf of Iran, made an escape from a London high-security prison. He clung to the van’s underside and managed to make his way out. This prompted a manhunt as well as a review of prison security because the suspect could have had “inside help.”

Alex Chalk, British Secretary of State for Justice, told the British Parliament on Thursday that “Daniel Khalife would be found and brought to justice.”

He added that “no stone should be left unturned” in order to find out what exactly happened. An immediate investigation will be conducted into the prison protocols and decisions made regarding Khalife’s escape.

Khalife, a 21-year-old man, was discharged in May from the army on charges of gathering information “directly or indirectly useful to an opponent” and making a bomb prank by placing three canisters containing wires onto a desk.

He remained in prison while awaiting his trial, but he appeared to have escaped shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Authorities believe that his job in the kitchen of the prison gave him access to a van that delivered food. He strapped himself to it as it drove off.

The Independent reported that the presence of straps underneath the van indicated Khalife “may have had some inside help from prison.” The official said that “all indications” were that this was a planned escape and not an opportunistic one and that it is “almost certain” that Khalife received “some help.”

Chalk responded that “all avenues of inquiry” are still being considered after a Minister asked about “assistance” for Khalife’s escape.

The BBC reported on Thursday that Khalife might have been seeking information for Iran. Initial reports had not indicated to whom Khalife was allegedly passing information. He was due to stand trial for his crimes in November.

Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector at Prisons for BBC Radio 4, said that he was “very concerned” that Wandsworth allowed another prisoner to escape in 2019. He also stated that the fact that the prisoner is accused of a terrorist crime makes the situation even worse.

Taylor attributed the escapes of such a high number to staffing shortages.

Bidfood, the prison catering provider in the area, issued a statement saying that they were aware of an “incident” that involved one of their vehicles and that the driver “fully cooperated with the police in this matter before returning to the depot.”