The jinn rapist: Ex-imam guilty of 21 attacks in east London

SHOCKING BETRAYAL: East London imam used fake jinn possession and black magic threats to rape and sexually abuse seven vulnerable women and girls over a decade – convicted of 21 vile offences.

A former imam has been convicted of 21 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, after exploiting his position of trust to abuse seven women and girls in east London.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54, of Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, was found guilty following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday 13 February 2026.

The offences, committed between 2004 and 2015, involved nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, five counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of assault by penetration.

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Three of the seven victims were young teenage girls, the youngest aged 12 at the time of the offending.

Khan, who served as an imam at a mosque in east London, used his role as a respected faith leader within the local Muslim community to befriend the victims.

He persuaded them to meet him at isolated locations, including flats and secluded areas, claiming this was necessary to prevent harm befalling them or their families.

The court heard that Khan then carried out rapes and sexual assaults on the victims, telling them he was possessed by or disguised as a jinn – a supernatural spirit in Islamic tradition – or that he possessed special powers.

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Victims were led to believe they must keep the acts secret to avoid supposed consequences involving black magic or spiritual harm to themselves or loved ones.

Khan denied all the allegations, claiming the complainants had conspired against him.

The jury convicted him on all 21 counts after deliberating.

Khan was remanded in custody following the verdicts. He will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 14 May 2026.