LONDON — Authorities have charged a 25-year-old man, Imran Chowdhury, for his alleged role in aiding the escape of a former British soldier convicted for espionage related to Iran. The Metropolitan Police announced the charge on Monday, stating that Chowdhury faces one count of assisting an escaped prisoner following the breakout of Daniel Khalife from Wandsworth prison in September 2023.

Khalife, aged 23, managed to flee by concealing himself beneath a food delivery truck, which triggered a significant police manhunt that lasted three days. In November, Khalife was found guilty of breaching the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act, as he was accused of gathering intelligence beneficial to an enemy, specifically Iran. Sentencing for Khalife is expected to take place later this year.

While the police did not elaborate on the exact nature of the assistance that Chowdhury provided during Khalife’s evasion, they did clarify that a 25-year-old woman who had previously been arrested in connection with the case would not be facing charges.

During his trial, Khalife attempted to argue that his dealings with Iranian officials were a ruse intended to secure his position as a double agent for the United Kingdom. However, his attorney likened Khalife’s aspirations to those of a character from “Scooby Doo” rather than a sophisticated spy like James Bond.

Prosecutors categorized Khalife’s actions as serious offenses, noting that the sensitive information he divulged could have placed the safety of other military personnel in jeopardy. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of Khalife’s case remain a focal point in discussions surrounding national security and espionage.