A trusted imam preyed on vulnerable girls as young as 12 for over a decade, using black magic and jinn possession claims to rape and silence them, until a jury delivered justice with 21 guilty verdicts.[1][2][3]
Story Highlights
- Abdul Halim Khan, 54, convicted on nine counts of rape, five rapes of children under 13, and other sexual offenses against seven victims, including three teens.[1][2][3]
- Khan exploited his mosque authority in east London, luring victims to isolated spots with promises of supernatural protection from 2004 to 2015.[1][2][3]
- Youngest victim reported abuse to a school teacher in 2018, sparking a Metropolitan Police probe with over 50 witnesses leading to charges in 2023.[1][2][3]
- Remanded in custody awaiting sentencing today at Snaresbrook Crown Court after denying allegations as a revenge conspiracy.[1][2]
Details of the Conviction
Snaresbrook Crown Court found Abdul Halim Khan guilty on Friday of 21 offenses. These included 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, and one count of assault by penetration. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the verdict followed a thorough investigation.[1][2][3]
Khan, from Old Forde Road in London, targeted seven victims over 11 years. Three were vulnerable teenage girls as young as 12. Crown Prosecution Service specialist prosecutor Melissa Garner stated Khan abused his position of trust to commit these acts. He faces life imprisonment, reflecting the severity of child exploitation.[1][2]
Modus Operandi and Victim Coercion
Khan persuaded victims to meet in isolated locations like flats and hidden spots. He claimed supernatural powers could shield them and their families from harm. During assaults, Khan asserted he was possessed by a jinn, a supernatural spirit, or disguised as one. Victims stayed silent out of fear of black magic harming loved ones, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.[1][2][3]
This exploitation of faith preyed on community trust in religious leaders. Khan held a respected role at an east London mosque. His tactics mirror patterns where spiritual authority silences abuse victims, delaying reports for years. The UK’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse notes religious settings often erect barriers to disclosure through fear of ostracism.[1][2][3]
Investigation and Path to Justice
Police learned of the crimes in February 2018 when Khan’s youngest victim confided in a school teacher. This triggered a Metropolitan Police investigation involving more than 50 witnesses. Authorities charged Khan on March 16, 2023. During interviews, Khan denied everything, calling it a conspiracy by victims seeking revenge. The jury rejected his claims.[1][2][3]
Convicted: East London islamist MONSTER Imam Abdul Halim Khan found guilty of 21 offences, including 9 counts of rape.
Between 2004-2015, he preyed on innocent girls as young as 12 using his position to coerce them.
Sentencing is today at Snaresbrook Crown Court. pic.twitter.com/CjvfhK2oxl
— On The News (@On_The_News_UK) May 13, 2026
The case underscores risks when unchecked authority in faith communities enables predation. Victims showed courage in breaking silence despite cultural pressures. Prosecutor Garner praised their reports, which dismantled Khan’s facade. Sentencing occurs today at Snaresbrook Crown Court, with Khan remanded in custody.[1][2][3]
Broader Implications for Communities
Religious leaders must face swift accountability to protect the innocent, especially children. This verdict affirms justice triumphs over deception, even when cloaked in spiritual claims. Conservatives have long warned against importing cultural practices that shield predators under multiculturalism. True tolerance demands safeguarding families and exposing such horrors without apology.[1][2][3]
Community silence around imams or jinn folklore can perpetuate abuse. Khan’s denials highlight weak defenses lacking evidence. Full court records post-sentencing could reveal more, but the guilty verdicts stand firm on victim testimonies and witness accounts.[1][2][3]
Sources:
[1] Web – Former imam convicted of multiple sexual offences after exploiting …
[2] Web – Former imam who pretended to have spiritual powers found guilty of …
[3] Web – London Imam Found Guilty of Raping Women, Young girls
