A former imam in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of multiple rape and sexual assault offences involving women and girls as young as 12 years old.
Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green in East London, was found guilty of abusing his position as a respected religious leader to sexually exploit victims between 2004 and 2015, according to the Metropolitan Police.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Khan was convicted in February on multiple charges, including nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, five counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of assault by penetration. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
During sentencing on Thursday, May 14, Judge Leslie Cuthbert condemned Khan’s actions, stating that “behind a public appearance of propriety and holiness,” he took “monstrous advantage” of vulnerable women and children for his own sexual gratification.
The court heard that Khan manipulated victims by claiming to possess supernatural powers and convincing them he could be inhabited by a jinn, a spirit referenced in Islamic belief. Prosecutors said he lured victims to isolated locations, including flats and hidden areas, where the abuse took place.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, many victims were too frightened to speak out because Khan threatened them with spiritual harm and “black magic” if they revealed the abuse. All seven victims were members of the local Bangladeshi Muslim community and initially feared reporting him due to his influence and status within the community.
Victim impact statements presented in court described the devastating emotional and psychological effects of the abuse. One survivor, who was a child at the time of the offences, described Khan as “evil personified” and accused him of using manipulation, fear, and religion to silence his victims.
Another victim told the court she was left “terrified, confused and powerless” after Khan exploited her faith and vulnerability.
The case first came to the attention of authorities in 2018 after the youngest victim disclosed the abuse to a teacher at her school. During police interviews, Khan denied all allegations, claiming the accusations were part of a conspiracy against him.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan praised the courage of the survivors who came forward and supported the prosecution throughout the lengthy investigation and trial process.
Authorities said the conviction serves as a reminder that abuse of power and sexual violence can occur within trusted institutions and communities, while encouraging victims to seek support and report abuse.
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