ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan: Misconduct Allegations and Ongoing Review

Allegations of sexual misconduct against International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan remain under investigation, despite recent reports suggesting he had been exonerated. The case has unfolded amidst heightened scrutiny of the ICC, including U.S. Sanctions related to the investigation of alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Background of the Allegations

Karim Khan, who assumed the role of ICC Prosecutor in June 2021, stepped aside temporarily even as the court’s executive branch investigates accusations of a non-consensual sexual relationship with a lawyer in his office. Khan has denied any wrongdoing. He specializes in international criminal law and international human rights law.

Investigation Process and Findings

The investigation, initiated over a year ago, concluded with a confidential fact-finding report submitted to the ICC’s Bureau – the Assembly of States Parties – in December. A report in the Middle East Eye on Saturday indicated Khan had been cleared of the allegations. Still, Paivi Kaukoranta, President of the Assembly, clarified in a memo to court staff that the disciplinary process is ongoing and confidential. “No decisions have been taken and no weight should be given to recent media speculation,” Kaukoranta stated.

The court, the office of the prosecutor, the Assembly, and legal representatives for Khan have not responded to requests for comment.

Implications for the ICC and Recent Sanctions

The investigation into Khan coincides with U.S. Sanctions imposed on him and other ICC officials. These sanctions stem from the ICC’s investigation into allegations of war crimes in Gaza, which led to the seeking of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. In November 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. An arrest warrant was also requested for Myanmar military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.

Global Context and Opposition to the ICC

The ICC, established as the world’s court of last resort for international crimes, has 125 member countries. Notably, China, Russia, and the United States are not members and have voiced opposition to Khan’s pursuit of arrest warrants for leaders of non-member states, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu.

Karim Khan’s Background

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 30, 1970, Karim Asad Ahmad Khan is a British lawyer. His father was a Pakistani dermatologist, and his mother a British nurse. He has a brother, Imran Ahmad Khan, a former Conservative Party MP.

Recent Developments

In May 2025, Khan temporarily stepped down as chief prosecutor due to the allegations of sexual misconduct. In February 2025, the United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Khan following a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to sanction ICC officials.