By Grâçia Ada Obi

An imam who subjected women and girls as young as 12 to rape and sexual assault after claiming he had supernatural powers has been sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday May 14, 2026 with a minimum term of 20 years.

Abdul Halim Khan, an Indian national, exploited his respected position as a faith leader to abuse seven women and girls within the Muslim community over a nine-year period, between 2005 and 2014, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

The 54-year-old, from Old Forde Road, east London, was an imam at a mosque who systematically lured his victims into isolated locations, including private flats and secluded spots, prosecutors revealed.

Khan would then proceed to rape or sexually abuse them under the guise of being possessed by or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit, the court was told.

Victims were reportedly coerced into silence, fearing that speaking out would bring harm to their families through “black magic”, according to prosecutors.

Sentencing Khan today, Judge Leslie Cuthbert condemned his actions, stating: “Behind a public appearance of propriety and holiness you took monstrous advantage of women who trusted you, all for your own sexual satisfaction.

“

You brazenly raped and sexually assaulted seven females – both children and young women. You behaved as if you were untouchable.”

The judge continued: “You were confident that none of the victims, who came from the same community in which you were an imam, would overcome the potential shame and stigma they might sadly feel, or be exposed to, by reporting you. You were confident that if they did come forward it would be you and not they who would be believed.”

Judge Cuthbert described Khan’s criminality as an “unrestrained campaign of rape and abuse of women and girls”, adding: “It is the work of a serial rapist and child abuser, but it is impossible for me to encapsulate succinctly the devastation you have caused.”

He further warned: “I am sure that you continue to represent a grave danger to girls and women who might be persuaded to be alone with you and that risk will persist for the foreseeable future, especially given that certain members of the community continue to hold you in high esteem.”

Khan was ultimately convicted of 21 offences of rape and sexual assault.
One of Khan’s victims, who was a child when the abuse occurred, tearfully told the court: “To me, Khan is not a human being, he is evil personified.” 

She explained that fear was instilled in her through Khan’s “lies and manipulation”, noting that he hid “under the guise of a religious man”.

The woman testified that Khan “stole the autonomy I should have had over my own body” and that she was “caged” into silence due to his threats concerning her family members.

She concluded: “He is a danger to society and he will continue being a danger for as long as he lives.”
Another victim, also a child at the time of the abuse, stated in a court-read statement that she was left “terrified, confused and powerless”.

She recounted how Khan exploited his position of authority to “terrorise” her, adding that he “exploited” her faith and vulnerability.

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

During interviews, Khan consistently denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a conspiracy and that the victims had fabricated a story for revenge, the force added. The court heard that the defendant continues to maintain his innocence.

He was found guilty in February 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 and one count of assault by penetration.

Melissa Garner, a specialist prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, commented: “Abdul Halim Khan abused his position as a trusted religious leader to prey on women and girls over many years, manipulating and controlling them for his own sexual gratification. 

“He used their deeply held beliefs to instil fear and silence them, making them believe their families would be at risk if they ever spoke out.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation, stated: “Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. 

However, this was far from the truth, and he instead preyed upon and took advantage of others.

“Today, I want to focus on the victim-survivors, who have shown remarkable bravery in reporting Khan and great strength throughout the trial. 

“We hope that today’s outcome provides a measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives and serves as a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available.

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