An individual described as “abhorrent” has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl while on a train journey. Identified as Abdulmanon Aliev, aged 50, he engaged in a disturbing sexual assault on the young girl during her trip to London in June of the previous year, according to the British Transport Police (BTP).
Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, jurors on Thursday found Aliev guilty of two counts of assault by penetration, three counts of sexual assault, and attempted rape. The distressing incident took place on the afternoon of June 16, 2025, as the teenager was traveling by train from Southend, Essex, to London.
Aliev, a national of Tajikistan, sat across from the teenager and attempted to communicate with her using a translator app on his mobile phone. When she moved away, he pursued her and sat next to her in an aisle seat, blocking her exit with the window.
The perpetrator then proceeded to sexually assault the teenager in a prolonged manner until they reached London, as reported by the BTP. The girl managed to escape Aliev at the station and boarded another train out of the city, where she promptly informed the authorities and the public about the ordeal.
A thorough investigation by the BTP led to the identification of Aliev through extensive CCTV footage analysis. Plainclothes officers apprehended him in Peckham, South London, on June 27, more than a week after the incident. Aliev, currently residing on Rye Lane, South London, will face sentencing at Inner London Crown Court on June 17.
Detective Constable Elizabeth Cahill of the BTP expressed dismay over Aliev’s actions, highlighting the heinous nature of the assault on a vulnerable child. She commended the victim for her courage in reporting the incident, emphasizing the importance of supporting victims of sexual offenses and ensuring perpetrators like Aliev are held accountable.
Specialist officers from the BTP have been providing ongoing support to the victim and her family throughout the investigation, prioritizing their well-being during this challenging time.
