NAHEEM AKRAM

A significant case of historical child sexual exploitation in Rochdale culminated in the conviction of seven men who groomed young girls, thanks to an in-depth GMP investigation.

The case was supported by two women who survived the abuse, enduring trauma and degradation.

On June 13, 2025, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, the defendants were held accountable for 50 separate offences committed between 2001 and 2006.

This forms part of Operation Lytton, a detailed inquiry by GMP’s Major Investigations Team into longstanding CSE cases in Rochdale, in collaboration with the multi-agency Sunrise safeguarding team and Rochdale Borough Council.

The four-month trial saw the defendants deny all allegations, but the victims bravely gave evidence about the abuse they suffered as children.

The court learned that the perpetrators exploited vulnerable girls, some aged just 13, using various methods.

Many offenders operated from a market stall run by Mohammed Zahid, aged 64, also known as ‘Bossman’, and the sexual exploitation extended to taxi drivers who facilitated access to the victims.

Over the years, the offenders subjected the girls to repeated sexual abuse, which took place in multiple settings including the local Moors, markets, shops, homes, and warehouses.

A strong prosecution case was prepared by GMP and the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to ensure the evidence clearly illustrated the devastating impact of CSE and supported the jury’s understanding.

Throughout the investigation, support agencies and officers provided compassionate assistance to the victims.

Since the start in September 2015, efforts centered on building the victims’ trust after previous failures by authorities in protecting them.

The investigative team moved at a pace aligned with the survivors' readiness, systematically uncovering evidence to identify the offenders, pinpoint locations of abuse, and document the trauma endured.

The men all denied guilt, yet the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilt.

Naheem Akram, aged 48 and residing on Manley Road in Rochdale, was convicted of seven offences, including rape and assault by penetration, among others.