Abdul Halim Khan convicted of child sexual abuse

Reference TimelineLast updated MAR 28
SUMMARY

Former east London imam Abdul Halim Khan, 54, was jailed for 24 years on February 16, 2026, after being found guilty on February 13, 2026, at Snaresbrook Crown Court of 21 sexual offenses, including nine counts of rape and five counts of rape of a child under 13, against seven women and girls between 2004 and 2015. As of March 28, 2026, Khan is awaiting sentencing on May 14, 2026, for these crimes. He manipulated victims by falsely claiming supernatural powers or possession by a Jinn, exploiting his position as a faith leader. Detective Sergeant Sara Yems commended the "extraordinary courage" of the seven survivors who reported the abuse, while Specialist Prosecutor Melissa Garner stated the CPS will "relentlessly pursue justice" in such cases.

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March 2026 1 developments

  1. Abdul Halim Khan was found guilty on February 13, 2026, of 21 sexual offenses against seven women and girls between 2004 and 2015.

    Abdul Halim Khan was found guilty on February 13, 2026, of 21 sexual offenses against seven women and girls between 2004 and 2015. He manipulated victims by falsely claiming supernatural powers or possession by a Jinn. Khan is awaiting sentencing on May 14, 2026.

February 2026 9 developments

  1. Former east London imam Abdul Halim Khan has been jailed for 24 years for abusing girls as young as 12.

    Former east London imam Abdul Halim Khan has been jailed for 24 years for abusing girls as young as 12. Khan, 54, was convicted of 21 offences, including nine counts of rape and five counts of rape of a child under 13. He used his position as a faith leader between 2004 and 2015 to coerce victims, claiming he had supernatural powers.

  2. Abdul Halim Khan is remanded into custody pending his sentencing hearing.

    Abdul Halim Khan is remanded into custody pending his sentencing hearing.

  3. News outlets, including Sky News, report extensively on the conviction of the former east London imam.

    News outlets, including Sky News, report extensively on the conviction of the former east London imam.

  4. Specialist Prosecutor Melissa Garner states the CPS will "relentlessly pursue justice" against those who sexually exploit women and children.

    Specialist Prosecutor Melissa Garner states the CPS will "relentlessly pursue justice" against those who sexually exploit women and children.

  5. Detective Sergeant Sara Yems commends the "extraordinary courage" of the seven survivors who came forward to report the abuse.

    Detective Sergeant Sara Yems commends the "extraordinary courage" of the seven survivors who came forward to report the abuse.

  6. Victims share their experiences, describing the profound and lasting impact of the abuse, including shame, fear, confusion, and a loss of trust.

    Victims share their experiences, describing the profound and lasting impact of the abuse, including shame, fear, confusion, and a loss of trust.

  7. Prosecutors detail how Khan exploited his position of trust and claimed supernatural powers to coerce victims into meeting him in isolated locations for abuse.

    Prosecutors detail how Khan exploited his position of trust and claimed supernatural powers to coerce victims into meeting him in isolated locations for abuse.

  8. The convictions include nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual ass…

    The convictions include 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.

  9. A jury finds Abdul Halim Khan, then 54, guilty of 21 serious sexual offenses at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

    A jury finds Abdul Halim Khan, then 54, guilty of 21 serious sexual offenses at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

March 2023 2 developments

  1. Following extensive inquiries, Abdul Halim Khan is formally charged with 21 offenses, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

    Following extensive inquiries, Abdul Halim Khan is formally charged with 21 offenses, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

  2. During police interviews, Khan repeatedly denies the allegations, claiming they were a conspiracy and that the victims had fabricated their accounts for revenge.

    During police interviews, Khan repeatedly denies the allegations, claiming they were a conspiracy and that the victims had fabricated their accounts for revenge.

December 2022 1 developments

  1. Investigators meticulously gather evidence over several years, interviewing over 50 witnesses and examining ten mobile phones as part of the complex case.

    Investigators meticulously gather evidence over several years, interviewing over 50 witnesses and examining ten mobile phones as part of the complex case.

February 2018 1 developments

  1. The youngest victim reports Khan's abuse to a teacher, bringing his offending to the attention of the Metropolitan Police.

    The youngest victim reports Khan's abuse to a teacher, bringing his offending to the attention of the Metropolitan Police.

January 2018 1 developments

  1. Metropolitan Police detectives launch a formal investigation into Abdul Halim Khan's alleged crimes.

    Metropolitan Police detectives launch a formal investigation into Abdul Halim Khan's alleged crimes.

December 2015 1 developments

  1. Over an 11-year period, Khan abuses multiple women and girls, some as young as 12, by claiming he had supernatural powers and threatening their families.

    Over an 11-year period, Khan abuses multiple women and girls, some as young as 12, by claiming he had supernatural powers and threatening their families.