A former imam based in East London has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of raping and sexually abusing women and girls over an 11-year period.
Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court in February on multiple counts including rape, sexual assault, child sexual assault, rape of a child under 13, and assault by penetration. The offences took place between 2004 and 2015.
The court imposed a life sentence, with Khan required to serve a minimum of 20 years before being considered for parole.
During sentencing, Judge Leslie Cuthbert condemned Khan’s conduct, saying he abused his position of trust within the community.
“You took monstrous advantage of women who trusted you, all for your own sexual satisfaction,” she said. “You behaved as if you were untouchable.”
The judge added that Khan relied on his authority as a religious leader to silence victims, noting that he believed they would not report him due to fear of shame, stigma, and disbelief.
“He was confident that if they came forward, it would be you and not they who would be believed,” she added.
Prosecutors told the court that Khan used his position as a respected faith leader to gain access to victims, many of whom were from the same local Bangladeshi Muslim community. He allegedly arranged meetings in isolated locations, including private flats, where the abuse took place.
The Crown Prosecution Service said Khan also used claims of supernatural influence to control his victims, telling them he was possessed or acting under the influence of spirits. Victims were reportedly warned that harm or “black magic” could befall them or their families if they spoke out.
In a victim impact statement read in court, one survivor who was abused as a child said: “To me, Khan is not a human being, he is evil personified.”
She added that he used “lies and manipulation” to instil fear and silence her, saying: “He stole the autonomy I should have had over my own body.”
Another victim described being left “terrified, confused and powerless,” stating that Khan exploited her faith and vulnerability.
Police said the case first came to light in 2018 after the youngest victim disclosed the abuse to a school teacher, triggering an investigation that eventually led to his arrest and prosecution.
During police interviews, Khan denied all allegations, claiming the victims had fabricated the accusations as part of a conspiracy against him.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan praised the courage of the survivors, saying their testimony was key to securing the conviction.
“These victim-survivors have shown remarkable bravery in coming forward and giving evidence,” she said. “We hope this outcome offers some measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives.”
