Predator Caught: Lewisham Man Jailed for Child Sex Crimes and Fake Cop Scam
Asfandyar Saleem, 28, from Lewisham, has been sentenced to 52 months behind bars at Woolwich Crown Court on November 28. The convicted paedophile pleaded guilty to 11 offences, including:
- One count of perverting the course of justice
- Three counts of making indecent images of children
- Six counts of attempted sexual communication with children under 16
- One count of possession of extreme pornographic images
Massive Haul of Disturbing Images Found at Home
Back in February 2022, Met officers from the Online Child Sex Abuse and Exploitation Team raided Saleem’s home. He confessed to viewing indecent images of children. Police seized his devices, revealing a shocking collection of 2,193 illegal images — including 431 Category A images depicting serious sexual offences.
“Sugar Daddy” Trap on KIK App
Further investigation uncovered that Saleem used the KIK messenger app to groom children under 16. He posed as a “sugar daddy,” paying kids with gift cards in exchange for sexual photos. This vile behaviour added to the serious charges he faced at Bromley Magistrates Court in January 2023.
Faked Police Profile to Sink His Own Trial
While on bail, Saleem tried to derail justice. He created a fake LinkedIn profile pretending to be the detective investigating him. He doctored images and messages, falsely claiming police evidence was fabricated. He then sent these false documents to the Met in a desperate attempt to get the case tossed out.
A further raid in May uncovered more devices filled with the forged messages and the fake profiles. Authorities quickly charged Saleem, who pleaded guilty on October 24 at Woolwich Crown Court thanks to overwhelming evidence.
Detective James Cronin of the Online Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation team said: “Saleem is a convicted paedophile who preyed on children and launched a fraudulent campaign to have the case against him dismissed. This court result shows that Met officers will do everything possible to bring perpetrators to justice.”
Acting Superintendent Jo Lloyd, Specialist Crime, added: “Officers from this dedicated unit are working tirelessly to take predators off the streets. If you have any information on child sex abuse, contact the police on 101. In an emergency, dial 999.”
