A former east London imam exploited his religious authority for over a decade, using claims of supernatural powers to rape and sexually assault seven victims, including girls as young as 12, in a chilling reminder of how predators weaponize trusted positions to target the most vulnerable.
Story Snapshot
- Abdul Halim Khan, 54, convicted of 21 sexual offences including nine rapes spanning 2004-2015
- Former imam used claims of jinn possession and black magic threats to coerce victims into isolation
- Seven victims, including three girls aged 12-15, silenced by fear and cultural shame for years
- Case highlights dangerous exploitation of religious authority and delayed reporting in tight-knit communities
Predator Used Religious Authority to Target Children
Abdul Halim Khan abused his position as a mosque imam in Bethnal Green between 2004 and 2015, targeting seven women and girls through calculated manipulation. The former faith leader convinced victims he possessed supernatural abilities, claiming to be possessed by or disguised as a jinn—a spirit in Islamic folklore—to justify meeting them in isolated locations. Khan told victims he could protect them from black magic or prevent harm to their families, exploiting deeply held cultural beliefs to facilitate systematic sexual abuse. This manipulation kept victims silent for years, fearing supernatural retribution against loved ones.
Decade of Abuse Uncovered After School Report
The abuse remained hidden until February 2018, when Khan’s youngest victim reported the crimes to a school teacher, triggering a Metropolitan Police investigation. Authorities discovered a pattern of escalating violence across multiple victims, with Khan luring them to flats and other secluded areas under false pretenses of spiritual protection. Despite Khan’s denials—claiming the charges were conspiracy and revenge—prosecutors built a comprehensive case demonstrating his systematic exploitation. On February 13, 2026, Snaresbrook Crown Court convicted him on all 21 counts, including nine rapes, five rapes of children under 13, four sexual assaults, and assault by penetration. Khan was immediately remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for May 14, 2026.
UK imam convicted of child sexual abuse after claiming "supernatural powers"https://t.co/s8FUdvCeiY
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) February 17, 2026
Victims Display Extraordinary Courage Despite Trauma
One survivor described the profound impact of Khan’s crimes, stating the abuse caused lifelong physical and emotional trauma, destroyed her ability to trust, and left her feeling ashamed despite being the victim. She praised Metropolitan Police for their support and expressed hope her courage would inspire other survivors to come forward. Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, the lead investigator, commended the victims’ extraordinary bravery in confronting their abuser and reaffirmed the police commitment to removing predators from communities. The case underscores how authority figures exploit trust within religious communities, particularly when cultural taboos around sexuality and supernatural beliefs create barriers to reporting.
Prosecution Highlights Deception and Community Impact
Melissa Garner, the Crown Prosecution Service specialist prosecutor, condemned Khan’s vicious use of supernatural claims to deceive and control vulnerable victims. She emphasized that the lifelong trauma inflicted on survivors cannot be understated and urged anyone experiencing similar abuse to report it immediately. The conviction sends a clear message that prosecutors will relentlessly pursue justice regardless of how much time has passed since the offences. This case also raises critical questions about safeguarding measures in religious institutions and the need for communities to create environments where victims feel safe disclosing abuse without fear of cultural stigma or supernatural threats.
Pattern of Religious Authority Abuse in UK
Khan’s conviction follows other recent cases of UK religious leaders exploiting their positions, though his supernatural manipulation tactics appear unique. The case highlights broader concerns about authority figures in faith communities using cultural beliefs to silence victims and evade accountability. While Khan’s abuse spanned 11 years before exposure, the eventual conviction demonstrates that law enforcement will pursue historical cases when victims find courage to come forward. The east London Muslim community now faces the difficult task of rebuilding trust in religious leadership while ensuring robust protections prevent similar exploitation. This conviction should serve as a warning that no position of authority—religious or otherwise—provides immunity from prosecution when perpetrators prey on children and vulnerable individuals.
Sources:
Imam guilty: Abdul Halim Khan rape assault – The Independent
