Rochdale Grooming Gang found guilty of historic sexual abuse
Two women sparked an investigation in 2015, after speaking out about the abuse they endured at the hands of the men when they were teenagers
Last updated 13th Jun 2025
Seven men have been found guilty of the historic grooming and sexual assault of two girls in Rochdale.
The string of sexual offences were committed against the victims between 2001 and 2006.
The gang, either taxi drivers or working at the market, have been found guilty of a number of offences - including rape and indecency with a child.
They are the latest convictions as part of Operation Lytton – an investigation by our specialist Major Investigations Team into non-recent CSE in Rochdale which has been supported by the multi-agency complex safeguarding team, Sunrise, alongside Rochdale Borough Council.
It follows a four-month long trial where defendants denied responsibility for their despicable crimes. In the face of this both victims bravely gave compelling evidence in front of those men who subjected them to such horrific abuse when they were children.
The investigation started after the two women, who can't be named for legal reasons, spoke out ten years ago - about the abuse they endured.
The trial heard how the women became "sex slaves" to the Asian men - who preyed upon the vulnerable teenagers.
Detective Superintendent Alan Clitherow, is the head of GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigations Team, he said: "It's unimaginable for a member of the public to look at what was going on, and the impact it has...
"It's by going through all the details of the court, that you can actually acknowledge that, and it is our priority that we do something about it."
DSI Alan Clitherow said it's important people understand why the process can take a long time: "If a victim reports something, and it's from a long, long time ago, it often can't be book ended with a certain time and a certain date.
"You've got an awful lot of involvement from a lot of different partners all on record, so it's not a defined thing that you can start with, it grows and it morphs as you investigate, and because of that, that's what takes a long time.
"It's really important that victims know they'll be treated seriously but we're really honest with them that the nature of the investigation means it will take a length of time.
"We have victim contact and we're really transparent and we support them really well now.
"I really want to pay tribute to both victims, the bravery and the dignity to stand up in court and talk about the abuse that they've endured, is incredible.
"It's a fantastic reflection of them that they've stood up and they've done that and it's great that we've got the convictions off the back of it."
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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker is GMP’s lead for protecting vulnerable people. She said: “The survivors in this case are two women who were horrendously abused by this group of men. This unthinkable abuse was compounded by failings from authorities who let them down when they needed protecting the most. They were vulnerable children who experienced the worst trauma possible, and this will remain a matter of profound regret.
“I commend the faith the victims have shown in the GMP of today to support this long and complex investigation. We have excellent officers and staff who represent our determination to protect survivors and pursue offenders, through traditional detective work and our modern victim-centred approach. This is painstaking work that is bringing child abusers to justice.
“I know that our past failings have meant there are people who doubt the police’s commitment today to putting grooming gangs behind bars where they belong. Let me be clear: time is no barrier to justice, and we are actively working with dozens of survivors on numerous investigations to ensure no offender gets away with this. When you are ready, we will listen.
“Our dedicated Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigations Team has almost 100 investigators working every day to listen to victims and to bring cases to court. Every town, city, and borough in GM has a dedicated multi-agency safeguarding team that shares information and investigates all reports to protect children from harm. We’re lightyears ahead of where we were, and we are totally focussed on listening to survivors and continuing to further improve on our best practices which are now well-embedded.”
Liz Fell, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS’ Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said: “These men targeted children, preyed upon their vulnerabilities and groomed them for their own sexual gratification.
“The treatment of the victims at the hands of these predators was nothing short of appalling. They were vulnerable children cruelly passed around for sex; abused, degraded and then discarded.
“I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case for their courage in coming forward and giving evidence against these seven defendants. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing that it is because of their bravery and fortitude that we have been able to bring these offenders to justice.
“This case has been incredibly complex and challenging, but thanks to the close collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, we were able to build a compelling case to present to the court. The jury saw through the defendants and delivered the justice these victims deserve.
“These convictions send a very clear message that the CPS, working alongside law enforcement colleagues, will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.”
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This group of men targeted and ruthlessly exploited two vulnerable teenage girls, giving them alcohol, cigarettes and drugs before subjecting them to appalling acts of physical, emotional and sexual abuse over several years.
“Children must feel able to speak out if something is wrong. And it is important that adults educate themselves about the signs of grooming so they can help try to prevent it from happening or continuing in their own communities.
“Child sexual abuse can have profound and long-lasting consequences on those who experience it, so it’s also crucial victims can access the specialist support they need to rebuild their lives.”
All seven men denied any wrongdoing. A jury unanimously found the following guilty:
Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, 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, guilty of four offences including rape and indecency with a child.
Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, guilty of one offence of rape.
Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, guilty of three offences including rape and assault by penetration.
Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.