The chief executive of Southwark Muslim Women’s Association has been convicted of 25 counts of sex abuse against three girls under the age of 14.

Zafar Iqbal, 67, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on April 29, and has been bailed until sentencing on June 9.

The Mail on Sunday reports that he sexually abused the three young girls in the 1970s and 1980s.

Southwark Muslim Women’s Association (SMWA) is a charity operating in South London that aims to improve the quality of life for Muslim women, children and elders. It received funding from Southwark Council.

A council spokesperson said: “Southwark Muslim Women's Association is an independent organisation, funded from many sources including the council. The convictions are not related to activities on the premises of the organisation. As soon as this issue was reported to the council, the allegations were referred to the police for investigation.

“We are appalled by this man's actions and we are undertaking an urgent review of Southwark Muslim Women's Association and its association with the council.”

In the financial year ending March 2013, the SMWA had an income of just under £386,000.

The SMWA did not respond to an invitation to comment.