Spy's Escape Aide Found Guilty

Adeel Khan, 32, has been convicted of assisting escaped prisoner Daniel Khalife. Khan aided Khalife from within HMP Wandsworth and provided him with funds shortly after his high-profile escape in September 2023.

Khalife, who was awaiting trial for spying charges, fled HMP Wandsworth by attaching himself to a food delivery vehicle. He was subsequently sentenced to 14 years and three months for espionage on behalf of Iran.

The court heard that Khan, who worked with Khalife in the prison kitchen, received multiple calls from Khalife using borrowed public phones after his escape. Khan's details were found in a diary carried by Khalife upon his arrest.

Prosecutors alleged that Khalife was carrying £200 in £20 notes, which originated from a withdrawal made by Imran Chowdhury. Khan subsequently messaged Chowdhury's girlfriend with bank details, instructing her to deposit £120. After this transfer, Khalife and Chowdhury met, and Chowdhury withdrew £400 for Khalife.

Chowdhury was acquitted of the same charge, with his defense arguing he was unaware he was assisting an escaped prisoner. The judge suggested the jury's verdict that Chowdhury did not know the full extent of the situation was reasonable.