Former East London Imam Jailed for Life for Sexually Abusing Seven Women and Girls

London, UK

A former imam has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for a campaign of sexual abuse spanning more than a decade against seven women and girls. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was convicted of 21 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual offences, committed between 2004 and 2015. He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on May 14, 2026. 

Khan, who served as an imam at a mosque in east London, abused his position of trust within the community to gain access to his victims. He manipulated them by pretending to be possessed or disguised as a “jinn” (supernatural spirit), arranging meetings in isolated locations or their own homes. Prosecutors said he used the victims’ religious beliefs to instill fear, telling them that speaking out would bring harm to them or their families through black magic. This control prevented many from coming forward for years. 

Specialist Prosecutor Melissa Garner said Khan preyed on vulnerable women and girls for his own sexual gratification, describing it as a sustained abuse of trust. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police identified additional victims after the initial reports. A cultural expert was used in court to help the jury understand the context of spiritual beliefs and black magic involved in the case. 

Khan was convicted on February 13, 2026.

Victims were supported with special measures, including pre-recorded evidence.