Met police officers have commended the bravery of seven survivors after a dangerous sexual offender was convicted on Friday, 13 February at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54 (26.01.72) of Old Forde Road, London was found guilty of 21 offences including nine counts of rape.

The offences took place over a 11-year period between 2004 and 2015, where Khan abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community to abuse multiple women and girls.

Khan abused his position as a faith leader by pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. He manipulated the victims, threatening harm on their families in an attempt to continue his extensive offending.

Yesterday’s conviction signifies the dedication of investigators, who did everything in their power to support the survivors and achieve justice on their behalf.

Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led this investigation, said: “It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure. The seven woman who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors.

“While nothing will undo the harm suffered by these women – yesterday’s conviction will hopefully offer a small measure of comfort. I’d like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets.”

Follow the verdict, one of the survivors of Khans abuse thanked the Met’s investigation team for restoring their trust. She said:

“The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life. What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and the way I understood relationships and authority.

“Someone who should never have harmed me violated that trust, and the effects of that betrayal have stayed with me for many years and I continue to carry that trauma with me.

“Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with shame, fear, and confusion that were not mine to carry. The loss of trust, in people, in systems, and at times in myself, shaped much of my adult life.

“Coming forward was an extremely difficult decision. Speaking about what happened meant revisiting painful memories and facing emotions I had tried to suppress for years. However, being listened to, believed, and treated with dignity throughout the investigation helped restore some of the trust that had been taken from me. I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police officers who handled my case with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.

“I hope this outcome acknowledges not only the abuse itself, but the deep and lasting harm it causes. I also hope it encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matter, regardless of how much time has passed.”

The investigation

Police first became aware of Khan’s offending in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported Khan to a teacher at her school.

Following the allegations, Met detectives began to build a case against Khan.

As part of their investigation, officers interviewed over 50 witnesses and examined ten mobile phone devices.

In his interview’s Khan repeatedly denied the allegations stating it was a conspiracy, and the victims had concocted a story for revenge.

Khan was charged on Thursday, 16 March 2023.

Abdul Halim Khan was found guilty of the following offences:

• Nine counts of rape
• Four counts of sexual assault
• Two counts of sexual assault of a child under thirteen
• Five counts of rape of a child under thirteen
• One count of assault by penetration

He has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 14 May.

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Khan can call 101 quoting Op Sparebank, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

The Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting offenders to secure justice for victims of sexual violence. As part of the Met’s victim- centred approach, the organisation has rolled out new, bespoke training to 23,000 officers and staff. This training is strengthening officer skills to better investigate offences and provide more meaningful support to victims. This training has seen stronger outcomes for victims and survivors, with the Met tripling charges for rape and serious sexual offences. More victim-survivors are also bravely reporting offences to police.