Toronto police have released the identity of a Toronto-based imam arrested in connection with an ongoing sex assault investigation that may have involved victims from outside the country.

Police said the suspect has worked and taught at the Baitul Mukarram Isalmic Society on Danforth Avenue in Toronto since 2008. The imam also worked in Florida, Michigan and Bangladesh among other locations.

Mohammad Masroor, 48, was arrested on Aug. 10 in Calgary and was transferred back to Toronto.

Masroor faces 13 charges in relation to alleged offences committed between Nov. 1 2008 and July 28, 2011.

"We believe there are other victims as Mohammad Masroor has lived and worked worldwide," Const. Karen Armstrong said Wednesday morning.

Armstrong said that Masroor "is a person who is seen as a leader in the community and in a position of trust."

Police said the investigation currently involves five victims, but anyone else with information is asked to contact investigators. According to the allegations, Masroor conducted classes out of his homes in Florida, Michigan and Bangladesh.

He has also travelled through France, Germany, Singapore and Hungary, among other countries, CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry reported.

On Wednesday, community members celebrating Ramadan and heading into the Danforth mosque were shocked to hear of the charges.

"I'm really surprised to hear this thing," said Abdul Chowdhury. "We're not expecting to hear this complaint about him."

Parent Shabin Coudhury said that his son was a student of Masroor and received lessons about the Qur'an three times per week.

Masroor also lead prayer services, shared messages of goodwill and peace and just last week, he was in Calgary on a spiritual journey and attending seminars on how to become a better Muslim.

Mohammed Bellal Hossain, another local community member, said that Masroor is a well-respected imam with a reputation as a good teacher.

"Easy to approach, friendly, jokes around with everyone. He has kids of his own, he has like three kids, so he's a family guy," said Hossain.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.