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Ex-Imam Faked Spiritual Powers To Rape Girls In London, Gets Life Sentence
A former east London imam, Abdul Halim Khan, was convicted of multiple rape and sexual offences against seven women and girls dating from 2004 to 2015. He used claimed spiritual powers to manipulate victims and was sentenced to life with a minimum 20-year term after a trial that culminated in a guilty verdict in February 2026. The investigation began after a young victim reported the abuse to a teacher in February 2018, leading to a lengthy CPS and police case.
Why It Matters
The case highlights how trusted community figures can exploit their position to abuse vulnerable individuals, and the importance of sustained investigations and survivor-centered proceedings to secure justice.
Timeline
3 Events
Sentence handed down
May 14, 2026
At a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Justice Leslie Cuthbert sentenced Abdul Halim Khan to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Guilty verdict delivered
February 2026
In February 2026, a jury found Khan guilty of nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of rape of a child under 13 and one count of assault by penetration.
Police first became aware of Khan's crimes
February 2018
The Metropolitan Police began investigating Abdul Halim Khan after the youngest victim reported him to a teacher at her school, prompting a formal inquiry.