Former imam Abdul Halim Khan, 54, pretended to be a 'possessed' Jinn spirit to sexually abuse girls as young as 12 over a period of years. Khan, who served at a mosque in east London, used his position as a trusted religious leader to gain access to his victims and manipulate them.
Abuse of Trust and Manipulation
Khan arranged meetings in isolated locations, including the victims' own homes, where he sexually abused them under the false pretence of being possessed or disguised as a jinn. He told his victims that harm would come to them through black magic if they reported him, leaving them feeling unable to come forward for years.
CPS and Police Response
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.' She added: '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.'
During the investigation, further victims were identified after initial reports were made. Prosecutors worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to build a case spanning more than a decade of offending. To support the jury's understanding of complex evidence involving spiritual beliefs – including references to jinn and black magic – the CPS instructed a cultural expert to provide essential context central to the case.
Sentencing and Conviction
Khan was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve a minimum term of 20 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday 14 May. He was convicted of 21 offences, including rape, sexual assault and child sexual offences, against seven women and girls between 2004 and 2015.
Police Statement
DCI 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 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.'
