A former imam weaponized supernatural folklore to systematically rape and abuse seven victims over eleven years, claiming possession by jinn spirits and threatening black magic to ensure their terrified silence.
Story Snapshot
- Abdul Halim Khan, 54, convicted of 21 sexual offences including nine counts of rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 13, 2026
- Seven victims abused between 2004 and 2015, including three girls under 13, the youngest just 12 years old
- Khan exploited his position as a Bethnal Green imam, claiming supernatural powers and jinn possession to coerce victims into isolated locations
- Victims silenced for years through threats of black magic harm before one reported abuse to a school teacher in 2018
- Khan faces sentencing on May 14, 2026, after being remanded in custody following conviction on all counts
The Sinister Manipulation of Faith and Fear
Abdul Halim Khan did not simply abuse his authority as an imam. He constructed an elaborate psychological prison for his victims, claiming to be possessed or disguised as a jinn, a supernatural spirit from Islamic folklore. This grotesque manipulation transformed deeply held cultural and religious beliefs into weapons of terror. Khan lured victims to flats and hidden locations across Bethnal Green’s Old Ford Road area, convincing vulnerable girls that he possessed otherworldly powers. The perversion of faith to commit heinous crimes represents not just criminal behavior but a profound betrayal of the very community that trusted him with spiritual guidance and moral leadership.
A Decade of Predation and Silence
Between 2004 and 2015, Khan systematically targeted seven victims, including girls as young as 12. He raped and sexually assaulted them repeatedly, warning each to remain silent or face harm from his alleged black magic abilities. The threats worked with chilling effectiveness. Victims carried their trauma in isolation for years, trapped between the physical violation they endured and the supernatural fears Khan deliberately cultivated. One survivor later described the profound and lasting impact of abuse that destroyed her sense of safety, eroded her ability to trust, and left her grappling with shame and fear that persisted long after the attacks ended. The courage required to finally speak demanded overcoming not only personal trauma but deeply ingrained cultural stigma.
The Breaking Point That Launched Justice
February 2018 marked the turning point when Khan’s youngest victim reported the abuse to a school teacher. That single act of bravery triggered a Metropolitan Police investigation that would span years and ultimately expose the full scope of Khan’s predation. Detective Sergeant Sara Yems led the probe, uncovering a pattern of manipulation that exploited both religious authority and supernatural beliefs prevalent in east London’s Muslim community. Khan denied everything, dismissing the allegations as a conspiracy for revenge. Prosecutors charged him in March 2023 with 21 offences spanning rape, sexual assault of children, and assault by penetration. The case moved to Snaresbrook Crown Court, where the courage of seven survivors would finally confront their abuser in the justice system.
Conviction and the Path to Accountability
On February 13, 2026, a jury convicted Abdul Halim Khan on all 21 counts. The verdict delivered validation to victims who had waited years for acknowledgment of their suffering. Melissa Garner, a specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized that Khan’s vicious series of offences exploited both trust and supernatural deception to inflict lifelong trauma. Detective Sergeant Yems praised the extraordinary courage displayed by victims who testified against a trusted figure in their community. Khan was immediately remanded in custody to await sentencing scheduled for May 14, 2026. One survivor expressed hope that the verdict would encourage others suffering in silence to come forward, transforming personal vindication into broader social impact.
The Broader Implications for Communities of Faith
This case exposes uncomfortable truths about authority, vulnerability, and the exploitation of cultural beliefs. Khan’s crimes demand scrutiny of how religious institutions safeguard those they serve, particularly children. The Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service sent clear signals that historical abuse by faith leaders will face relentless pursuit regardless of how much time has passed. For east London’s Muslim community, the conviction likely triggers difficult conversations about trust, accountability, and the mechanisms needed to prevent similar betrayals. Mosques and religious organizations face heightened expectations to implement robust safeguarding protocols. The case aligns with broader UK efforts to combat violence against women and girls, demonstrating that no position of authority provides immunity from consequences when trust transforms into predation.
Sources:
Imam guilty: Abdul Halim Khan rape assault – The Independent
Imam sexually abused girls with threat of black magic in east London – The Telegraph
