Daniel Khalife, a former British soldier, is on trial for espionage-related charges, accused of gathering and sharing sensitive military information with Iran. Woolwich Crown Court heard that Khalife, 23, allegedly compiled a list of 15 soldiers, including members of the elite Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), which he accessed through internal military systems.
Prosecutors claim Khalife, who joined the Army in 2018, offered his services to Iran for over 25 years. In 2020, he allegedly communicated with a contact known as “David Smith,” discussing military systems and expressing his intent to remain in the military until directed otherwise. Khalife is also accused of attempting to travel to Iran in August 2020 but remained in Turkey after the plan fell through.
While posted to Fort Hood in the U.S. in 2021, Khalife is said to have taken screenshots of classified military systems and obtained a high-level NATO security clearance. He allegedly started his own “intel operation” to prove his qualifications after learning his Iranian heritage might hinder his chances of obtaining advanced security vetting.
In a separate incident, Khalife is also charged with escaping from Wandsworth Prison in September 2023 by hiding under a food delivery truck. He reportedly used fabric and carabiner clips to strap himself to the underside of the vehicle. After escaping, Khalife was on the run for three days before being apprehended by police. Authorities found £200 on him, while £18,000, including counterfeit money, was later discovered in a van linked to him.
Khalife denies all charges, and the trial is expected to last six weeks.
