An urgent police search is active after a prisoner was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth last week. The Metropolitan Police were notified shortly after 13:00 on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, and quickly mobilized officers to locate the individual.
The released individual is 24-year-old Brahim Kaddour Cherif, an Algerian national. He is also known by variations of his name, including Ibrahim. Cherif is believed to have connections to Tower Hamlets and is frequently found in the Westminster area.
Authorities confirm Cherif is a registered sex offender. He was convicted in November 2024 for an indecent exposure incident that occurred in March that year. His sentence included an 18-month community order and registration on the sex offenders' list for five years.
“It is just over 24 hours since we were informed of Cherif’s release. We launched an immediate manhunt and urgent enquiries have been ongoing since.
Cherif has had a six-day head start but we are working urgently to close the gap and establish his whereabouts.
We will continue to use all the means at our disposal but we are also appealing for the public's help to find him.”
The investigation remains a high priority as police seek aid from the public to locate Cherif promptly.
Summary: A critical search is in progress for Brahim Kaddour Cherif, mistakenly released from custody; police urge public assistance to locate this registered sex offender swiftly.