Former East London Imam Found Guilty of Multiple Sexual Offences
Abdul Halim Khan, a 54-year-old former imam from Bethnal Green in east London, has been convicted of 21 sexual offences, including nine counts of rape, after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The Metropolitan Police revealed that Khan exploited his respected position as a faith leader to abuse multiple women and girls between 2004 and 2015.
Supernatural Deception Used to Coerce Victims
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Khan persuaded his victims, some as young as 12 years old, to meet him at isolated locations such as flats and hidden spots. He then raped or sexually assaulted them, claiming he would be possessed or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit. Victims were manipulated into believing they had to keep the abuse secret or risk harm from black magic, leading to profound trauma and fear.
Investigation and Survivor Impact
The offences came to police attention in 2018 when the youngest victim reported Khan to a school teacher. During questioning, Khan repeatedly denied the allegations, labeling them a conspiracy and accusing the victims of seeking revenge. He was eventually charged in March 2023. A survivor of his abuse stated that the experience has had a profound and lasting impact, causing ongoing shame, fear, and loss of trust that shaped much of her adult life.
Police and Prosecution Response
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led the investigation, praised the extraordinary courage of the seven women who came forward, expressing hope that Khan's conviction would provide some comfort. Melissa Garner, a specialist prosecutor for the CPS, emphasized that Khan abused his position of trust and authority to carry out vicious acts against vulnerable victims, deceiving them with false claims of supernatural powers.
Khan is scheduled to be sentenced next month, marking a significant step in addressing the deep harm caused by his actions.
