Bethnal Green Man Convicted of Multiple Child Sex Crimes After Posing as Spiritual Leader
A 54-year-old man from East London has been found guilty of a series of depraved sexual offenses against children and women, after exploiting his position as a respected faith figure within the local community. Abudal Halim Khan, of Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green, manipulated victims by pretending to possess spiritual powers, then threatened harm to their families to perpetuate his abuse over an eleven-year period between 2004 and 2015.
Systematic Abuse Uncovered Through Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police first became aware of Khan's predatory behavior in February 2018 when his youngest victim, then just 12 years old, reported the abuse to a trusted adult. What followed was an extensive investigation that involved interviewing more than fifty witnesses and examining ten mobile phones for evidence. Despite Khan's repeated denials and claims that victims had fabricated stories for revenge, detectives built a compelling case that resulted in charges being filed on March 16, 2023.
The comprehensive list of convictions includes:
- Nine separate counts of rape
- Four counts of sexual assault
- Two counts of sexual assault of a child under thirteen
- Five counts of rape of a child under thirteen
- One count of assault by penetration
Khan is currently being held in custody awaiting sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Victim's Harrowing Statement Reveals Lasting Trauma
One of Khan's victims provided a powerful statement detailing the profound impact of the abuse. "The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life," she explained. "What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped. It fundamentally altered my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and how I understand relationships and authority."
The victim described carrying shame, fear, and confusion that were never hers to bear, with the betrayal shaping much of her adult life. She acknowledged the difficulty of coming forward but expressed gratitude toward Metropolitan Police officers who handled her case with "care, professionalism, and sensitivity." Her statement concluded with a message of hope for other survivors: "I hope this outcome encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matters, regardless of how much time has passed."
Police Praise Courage of Victims in Securing Conviction
Detective Sergeant Sara Yems commended the extraordinary bravery shown by the women who came forward, particularly given Khan's status as a trusted community figure. "It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure," Yems stated. "The women who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police, and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors."
While acknowledging that nothing can undo the harm suffered, Yems expressed hope that the conviction would provide some measure of comfort. She praised the dedicated team of Metropolitan Police officers for their thorough investigation and reaffirmed the force's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders, and removing them from London's streets.
Anyone with additional information about crimes involving Khan is urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting Operation Sparebank, or to reach out anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Confidential support for sexual abuse survivors aged 16 and over in England and Wales is available through the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line at 0808 500 2222 or via their online chat service.
