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An imam accused of sexually assaulting a parishioner was arrested Tuesday while attempting to leave the country, according to Toronto Police.

Syed Zaidi, 49, was taken into custody at Pearson Airport while trying to board a flight out of Canada.

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A woman approached police earlier this year about an ongoing campaign of sexual abuse spanning several years, according to the allegations.

First meeting the accused at a mosque in 2008, he allegedly convinced the victim she was possessed and needed his help, said police.

Brought to his living quarters, the woman was allegedly sexually abused under the guise of a religious ceremony.

Police said the abuse continued over several years and the victim was threatened with physical harm and exposure to the congregation and community as a means of control.

Zaidi faces a number of charges, including sexual assault and threatening death.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume