The accused has been identified as Abdul Halim Khan, 54.

Following police investigation, Khan was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 20 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday.

"Khan was found guilty on Friday, 13 February of 21 sexual offences against seven victim-survivors, including nine counts of rape," Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Detective Chief Inspector Jennie Ronan, whose team led the investigation, said: “Abdul Khan presented himself as a respectable man who could be trusted. However, this was far from the truth, and he instead preyed upon and took advantage of others."

“Today, I want to focus on the victim-survivors, who have shown remarkable bravery in reporting Khan and great strength throughout the trial. We hope that today’s outcome provides as a measure of comfort as they continue to rebuild their lives and serves as a reminder to anyone who has experienced sexual violence that support is available," Jennie Ronan said.

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

Follow the sentencing, one of the survivors of Khan's abuse thanked the Met’s investigating officers for their support.

She said: "Taking the difficult step to come forward and speak about the abuse and trauma I suffered has been painful and one of the hardest things I have ever done. Coming forward felt like revisiting painful memories and emotions I had suppressed for years."

“After eight long years, I am relieved that justice has been served. But even with this outcome, the trauma does not simply disappear. The scars remain, and healing is a lifelong journey. Speaking out was terrifying, but it has also been a step toward reclaiming my strength," she said.

Melissa Garner, Specialist Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Abdul Khan abused his position as a trusted religious leader to prey on women and girls over many years, manipulating and controlling them for his own sexual gratification."

“He used their deeply held beliefs to instil fear and silence them, making them believe their families would be at risk if they ever spoke out," Garner said.

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.

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.