Former imam convicted of multiple sexual offences after exploiting faith role

He abused his respected standing within the local community to target multiple women and girls over 11 years

Abdul Halim Khan has been found guilty of 21 offences after abusing his position as a faith leader by pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. (Met Police/PA)

A former imam has been found guilty of 21 offences after exploiting his position as a faith leader to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Forde Road, London, abused his respected standing within the local community to target multiple women and girls over 11 years between 2004 and 2015, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that Khan, who served as an imam at a mosque, persuaded victims to meet him in isolated locations, including flats and hidden spots, under the false pretence of preventing harm from befalling them.

He would then rape or sexually abuse the victims, claiming he was possessed or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit.

Abdul Halim Khan has been found guilty of 21 offences after abusing his position as a faith leader by pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. (Met Police/PA)

The victims felt they had to keep these acts hidden and quiet from families and friends for fear of doing them harm via “black magic”, the CPS said.

Khan was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday of 21 offences, including nine counts of rape, police said.

Police first became aware of Khan’s offending in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported Khan to a teacher at her school, the Met said.

In his interviews, Khan repeatedly denied the allegations, stating it was a conspiracy and the victims had concocted a story for revenge, police said.

Khan was charged on March 16 2023.

He was found guilty of nine counts of rape; four counts of sexual assault; two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; five counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of assault by penetration.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on May 14.

Follow the verdict, one of the survivors of Khan’s abuse said: “The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life.

“What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and the way I understood relationships and authority.

“Someone who should never have harmed me violated that trust, and the effects of that betrayal have stayed with me for many years and I continue to carry that trauma with me.

“Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with shame, fear and confusion that were not mine to carry. The loss of trust, in people, in systems, and at times in myself, shaped much of my adult life.

“Coming forward was an extremely difficult decision. Speaking about what happened meant revisiting painful memories and facing emotions I had tried to suppress for years.

“However, being listened to, believed and treated with dignity throughout the investigation helped restore some of the trust that had been taken from me. I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police officers who handled my case with care, professionalism and sensitivity.

“I hope this outcome acknowledges not only the abuse itself, but the deep and lasting harm it causes.

“I also hope it encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matters, regardless of how much time has passed.”

Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, said: “It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure.

“The seven women who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors.

“While nothing will undo the harm suffered by these women, yesterday’s conviction will hopefully offer a small measure of comfort. I’d like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets.”

Melissa Garner, specialist prosecutor for the CPS, said: “Abdul Halim Khan, a former imam, abused his position of trust and authority to carry out a vicious series of rapes and sexual abuses against seven victims including three vulnerable teenage girls.

“Khan coerced and deceived them into thinking that he possessed supernatural powers which could protect them and their families from harm in exchange for hideous acts of sexual abuse without their consent.

“The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like Khan cannot be understated.

“We would like to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting this devastating crime.

“I hope this conviction sends a clear message that the CPS will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit women and children, whenever that abuse took place.

“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.”

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Khan can call 101 quoting Operation Sparebank, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.