Teacher ‘took secret upskirt photos of thirteen teenage girls while working at seven schools in Greater Manchester’

A schoolteacher has been charged with a series of child abuse charges after allegedly taking secret photos up the skirts of teenage girls while working at multiple schools.

Abusali Rahman, 36, who taught English, was arrested after a parent contacted police after an image of their child in school uniform circulated on social media.

Following an investigation into upskirting and voyeurism, officers at seven secondary schools in Greater Manchester identified 13 girls aged between 13 and 16 who were allegedly targeted by Rahman over an 18-month period.

In all identified cases, their schools – in Bury, Bolton and Salford – and parents have been informed.

But police are urgently trying to track down four girls from two high schools whose photos were found after Rahman’s arrest but have not yet been identified.

Rahman, described by police as a British citizen of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, became a qualified teacher in 2023. He was taken into custody when he appeared in court in April charged with 21 offences.

They are:

• Twelve charges of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child by upskirting.
• Three cases of publication of an obscene article containing AI-generated sexualized images.
• Three counts of taking an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child using AI-generated images.
• It involves distributing an indecent photo or pseudo-photo of a child by sharing an upskirting image with another user.
• One attempt was made to meet a girl under the age of 16 following sexual grooming via online chat.
• One count of operating equipment under clothing of another without consent.

File image of high school girls in uniform

Rahman was arrested in June 2025 after a parent raised concerns about an image of their child in school uniform circulating through a social media account.

It prompted an investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Since then, a significant amount of specialist and sensitive work has gone into trying to identify girls in those images, police said today.

The facts are said to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025.

All upskirting charges relate to alleged violations in schools.

Security teams are involved, providing specialist support.

Rahman has not worked in schools since his arrest and all schools where he worked have been contacted by police.

A spokesperson says: ‘If you as a parent have not been personally informed, then your child has not been classified as a potential victim in this case.

‘If we receive further information relevant to our investigation, we will approach affected schools in a sensitive and direct manner, as we have done to date, to ensure parents are informed.’

Rahman appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court in April 2026. He will appear at Bolton Crown Court on May 28.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Unit, said: ‘I must start by emphasizing that the parents of the identified girls and their schools are being kept informed and supported throughout this process.

“If you were not aware of this case until today, your child has not been identified as an alleged victim.

‘We have been in contact with all schools where we know Mr Rahman has worked in the North West since becoming a qualified teacher in July 2023.

‘No further alleged criminal offenses have been identified at this time.

‘Police, schools, local authorities, rail security and specialist support services are working closely together during this investigation.

“I understand the concern and upset this news will bring.

‘It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation as this is an active case in which the affected girls are entitled to lifelong anonymity and the suspect is entitled to a fair trial.

‘The last thing we need right now is speculation surrounding this case. If you know anything, please report it to us immediately.’

Anyone wishing to report a breach or who has information about this investigation can contact operations.messina@gmp.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Pomerie.

You can also provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.