LONDON: Former imam Abdul Halim Khan has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of carrying out a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against women and girls over more than a decade in east London.
Khan, 54, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, May 14, and must serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars. He was found guilty of 21 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual offences involving seven victims between 2004 and 2015
According to prosecutors, Khan exploited his position as a trusted religious leader to manipulate and abuse vulnerable women and girls. He allegedly convinced victims they were possessed by “jinn” or affected by black magic, using fear and religious influence to silence them.
Authorities said Khan arranged meetings in isolated locations and victims’ homes, where the abuse took place under the guise of spiritual healing. Victims were reportedly threatened into silence, believing harm would come to them or their families if they spoke out.
Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said Khan “abused his position as a trusted religious leader to prey on women and girls over many years.”
She added: “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.”
The investigation expanded after initial complaints led police to identify additional victims. Prosecutors worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to build a case covering more than a decade of offences.
Officials said the conviction sends a strong message that offenders who exploit positions of trust will be brought to justice.
