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GMP Ends Criminal Case Over Secret Filming of Women, Cites Legal Gaps

The force will pursue civil remedies with Manchester City Council, following a senior review of the case.

Overview

  • Greater Manchester Police announced on January 21, 2026 that the criminal investigation concluded without charges due to limitations in current legislation.
  • A 27-year-old man from Bradford was arrested in November 2024 on suspicion of voyeurism and harassment, the first arrest nationally linked to viral nightlife videos of this kind.
  • Investigators identified widely viewed clips and additional paywalled material, including suspected non-consensual nudity and upskirting, as the trend spread from TikTok to other platforms.
  • GMP says all lines of enquiry were exhausted, including digital forensic examination of devices, and victims were updated with appeals for further reports.
  • Operational work continues under Operation Safer Streets, with 980 interventions for predatory behaviour, over 1,000 safeguarding actions, and reported reductions in rape and other sexual offences in targeted city-centre areas.