A former supply teacher has been charged with a series of child sex offences, including upskirting and voyeurism, following a comprehensive investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Abusali Rahman, 36, from Salford, was arrested in June 2025 after a parent reported concerns about an image of their child in school uniform being circulated via a social media account. The discovery of additional images prompted an upskirting investigation by GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).
Details of the charges
Rahman has been charged with multiple offences, including 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child through upskirting, three counts of publishing an obscene article involving AI-generated sexualised images, three counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child by creating AI-generated images, one count of distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph by sharing an upskirting image with another user, one count of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following sexual grooming via online chat, and one count of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent, specifically the act of upskirting.
The alleged offences were committed against girls aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the incidents. Thirteen girls have been identified across seven high schools in Bury, Bolton, and Salford. However, four girls from two high schools remain unidentified. GMP stated they are continuing to work with those schools to identify the victims. All affected schools and the parents of the 13 identified girls have been informed.
Legal proceedings
Rahman was charged and appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court in April 2026. He has since been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
Police statement
Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division, said: “I must start by stressing that the parents of the girls identified, and their schools, are being kept informed and supported throughout this process. If you were not aware of this case prior to today, then your child has not been identified as an alleged victim. We have been in contact with all schools we know Mr Rahman worked at in the North West since he became a qualified teacher in July 2023. No further alleged criminal offences have been identified at this time. The police, schools, local authorities, safeguarding leads, and specialist support services are working closely together throughout this investigation.
“I understand the concern and upset that will come with this news. It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation as this is an active case where the girls affected have a right to lifelong anonymity and the defendant has a right to a fair trial. The last thing needed now is speculation around this case – if you know something, please report it directly to us.”
How to report information
Anyone who wishes to report an offence or has any information about this investigation is urged to contact operation.messina@gmp.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Pomerie. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
