Members of a Scarborough mosque have expressed shock and disbelief that their “nice” and “humble” religious leader has been charged with a string of sexual assaults.

Mohammad Masroor, the imam at the Baitul Mukarram Islamic Society on Danforth Avenue, faces 13 charges involving five alleged victims.

Police said Masroor, 48, travelled the world before settling in Toronto in 2008, and they believe there could be more victims.

Det. Const. Karen Armstrong said Masroor used his position of leadership “to his advantage.” She said Masroor, who teaches in the mosque as well as in private homes, knew the alleged victims.

Masroor taught in Florida, Michigan and Bangladesh before coming to Canada, police say. He has also lived and taught in Germany, France, Hungary, Singapore and Sri Lanka.