Former imam raped girls as young as 12 disguised as supernatural spirit

A former imam who carried out a “sustained campaign of sexual abuse against women and girls” as young as 12 over more than a decade has been jailed for life. Abdul Halim Khan, 54, will serve a minimum term of 20 years after a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court today (Thursday, May 14). He was convicted of 21 offences, including rape, sexual assault and child sexual offences, against seven women and girls, which took place between 2004 and 2015.

Khan was an imam at a mosque in east London, and “used his position as a trusted religious leader within the community to gain access to his victims and manipulate them”, prosecutors said. The religious leader arranged meetings in “isolated locations”, even their own homes, where he sexually abused victims under the false pretence of being possessed or disguised as a jinn – a supernatural spirit.

The CPS said: “Victims were led to believe that harm would come to them or their families through so-called black magic if they reported the abuse, leaving them feeling unable to come forward for years.”

Khan would tell young girls and their parents they needed “curing” from “bad spirits”.

One victim, who was 13 at the time of the abuse, said he told her he was “healing” her.

The victim told the BBC: “I genuinely believed he had supernatural powers.”

Marcus Johnstone, Managing Director of PCD Solicitors, who specialises in criminal defence for those accused of sex crimes, issued a warning following the hearing.

He said: “There is often a link between organised religion and sexual abuse. Religious leaders can be powerful figures in many communities, and unfortunately, any influential role is going to attract dangerous predators who want to abuse and exploit.”

Mr Johnstone added that “abusers can be extremely intelligent in how they plan and conceal their offending”. “Once in a position of power, they will usually target victims who have some degree of vulnerability – financially, mentally or socially,” the expert said.

“They will often convince victims that they actually consented to the abuse, and adopt a deeply unpleasant combination of threats, promises and romantic gestures to keep them silent.”

He believes that offending like Khan’s is “much more common than we would want to believe, but much of it goes under the radar”.

Mr Johnstone added: “In this case, there is the sad but critical element that some sections of the Muslim community have a problem with sexual abuse. Women and girls in many of these communities are often treated as second class citizens, with limited access to support systems that come through work or education.

“Some families raise their daughters to be obedient wives and mothers, which naturally predisposes them to manipulation by older, powerful men. Sex is often viewed as shameful, and any conversations around sex or relationships strictly forbidden. In that sort of environment, it is far too easy for a dangerous individual to take advantage and go undetected – and even be protected by their own community, if their crimes are discovered.

“That is why this case is an important win for the CPS to show figures like this Imam that they are not above the law and will be held to account and it is a reminder that the police and CPS must be fearless in investigating wrongdoing in these communities.”

Khan’s sentence is “typical for offending of this nature”, the lawyer said, adding that he will “likely will not be released from prison until he is an old man”.

Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “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.

“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service will work tirelessly to protect women and girls and bring anyone who commits these appalling crimes to justice.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation, said: “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 as 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.”