A former imam 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.
Abdul Halim Khan abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community to abuse multiple women and girls over a 11-year period between 2004 and 2015.
Khan was an imam at a mosque who persuaded each of the victims into meeting him at isolated places including flats and quiet hidden locations to prevent harm falling on them according to him, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
He would then rape or sexually abuse the victims under the premise he would be possessed or disguised as a jinn (supernatural spirit), the CPS added.
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.
The 54 year-old of Old Forde Road, London was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday of 21 offences including nine counts of rape.
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.”
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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.”
Specialist prosecutor for the CPS Melissa Garner 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.”
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.
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