Seven men jailed for more than 170 years following GMP investigation into non-recent CSE

Seven men have been given prison sentences totalling 174 years after a GMP investigation into the non-recent grooming of two vulnerable girls in Rochdale.

After a jury convicted them in June of 50 child sexual offences, the men have faced long-awaited justice for their crimes after both victims courageously gave testimony in court and continued to support our dedicated investigation.

The investigation into their abuse covers a timeframe of offences which took place between 2001 and 2006.

Investigators from our specialist Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigations Team (CSE MIT) led a complex and meticulous investigation, working with partners to ensure the victims remained at the heart throughout.

It is the latest outcome in our commitment to ensure all victims who put their faith in the GMP of today get the justice they are looking for and that no offender escapes without facing the consequences of their heinous actions.

Today (1 October 2025) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, the men were handed the following:

• Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, was sentenced to 35 years after being found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was sentenced to 29 years in his absence after being found guilty of four offences including rape and indecency with a child. Bashir failed to appear for the first day of trial despite attending bail every week up to, and including, the week before trial. His passport was surrendered as part of the bail conditions imposed by the court. Enquiries continue to try and locate him and ensure justice is served.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, was sentenced to 27 years after being found guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to 12 years after being found guilty of one offence of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to 26 years after being found guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, was sentenced to 19 years after being found guilty of three offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, was sentenced to 26 years after being found guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.

A comprehensive prosecution case was put together by GMP and the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to present the best evidence and to give the jury an informed understanding of what CSE is and its devastating impact.

A total of 32 offenders have now been brought to justice and jailed so far for 474 years as part of two major investigations in the past decade into non-recent CSE in Rochdale. Twelve of the men have been convicted of 72 offences as part of Op Lytton. A further 20 men are due on trial with six men on trial from 6 October 2025.

This investigation is one of many significant and complex cases in our dedicated CSE MIT which was formed in 2021.

Almost 90 investigators work closely with partners and support services to listen to survivors and pursue offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock is the senior investigating officer on the case. He said: “I must start by paying tribute to the two survivors in this case. They have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony during a four-month trial. Without them this would not be possible and today is about them.

“These seven men preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain. The men abused, degraded and then discarded the victims when they were just children. This horrific abuse knew no limits, despite their denials throughout this lengthy investigation and court case. They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later.

“The team of dedicated investigators on this case have put thousands of hours into securing this outcome. They’ve supported the victims throughout to piece together all the evidence. Bringing child abusers to justice is why we work so tirelessly day-in day-out, and I am so pleased for the victims that we have been able to help deliver this justice for them.”

Liz Fell, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS’ Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said: "At the centre of this case are two victims who, as children, were repeatedly abused, passed around and discarded by men who cruelly preyed on their vulnerabilities and exploited their difficult circumstances for their own sexual gratification.

"Both victims who have shown an enormous amount of strength and dignity throughout what has been a lengthy and challenging legal process.

"The impact of child sexual abuse extends far beyond the immediate offending and the trauma these women have carried for decades cannot be understated. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing that their voices have finally been heard.

"Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, was able to use extensive evidence to build a comprehensive picture of the defendant’s offending to present to a jury who found them guilty and delivered the justice these women deserved.”

Sharon Hubber, director of children’s services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “What these men did to those innocent young girls was vile and they rightfully deserve to be behind bars for a long time.

“Today’s sentencing is a reminder of our ongoing commitment, alongside Greater Manchester Police, in bringing these perpetrators to justice and we will not stop here in our efforts.

“We also continue to provide a safe and supportive environment to anyone affected by non-recent abuse or exploitation to ensure people get the right support that they need.

"Rochdale Borough Council is in a very different place to where it once was more than a decade ago, and our work to improve our safeguarding practice and our response to child sexual exploitation has been recognised in every Ofsted inspection since 2014.

“We will not be complacent however, and we remain committed to doing all that we can with our partners to protect and support victims and survivors."

Support available:
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.