Oldham man convicted of CSE wanted by police

Officers are seeking a wanted man convicted in his absence for grooming girls for sex in Rochdale in the 2000s.

Kasir Bashir (50,) is one of seven men convicted for child sexual exploitation, but was absent throughout his trial. That was despite answering bail on a weekly basis since being charged in 2023, including the week before the trial began in January 2025. 

In his absence, he was convicted by a jury of two counts of rape; and two counts of indecency with a child. 

He is a wanted man and is being actively sought by GMP, with support from colleagues in the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit. 

Officers said they do not know the whereabouts of Bashir, but are determined to find him no matter where he thinks he can hide. 

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, senior investigation officer on the case said: “The men who committed this horrific abuse have now been found guilty of their abhorrent crimes.  One defendant, Kasir Bashir cowardly avoided the whole trial and thought he could escape justice. 

“This is in stark contrast to the survivors who gave brave and painful testimony over the four-month trial in front of the men that so badly abused them. We will do all we can to find Bashir and ensure justice is fully served for them. 

“Time was no barrier to bringing these groomers to justice, and Bashir evading the trial, will not stop us ensuring he now faces the full consequences of his actions.” 

Information about Kasir Bashir should be given to police online or via 101 quoting Operation Lytton. You can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.