Shabir Ahmed, 73, a key ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang who was convicted of 30 child rapes, is set to be released from prison within days and will reportedly be allowed to remain in the UK despite having his British citizenship revoked. The decision stems from the Immigration Act 1971, which protects Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 from removal.
Ahmed's Crimes and Sentence
Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 to concurrent terms of 22 and 19 years for his role in the grooming ring. He was identified by prosecutors as one of the group's ringleaders. The gang targeted vulnerable children at two takeaway restaurants in Rochdale, Lancashire. During the trial, the court heard that Ahmed abused one girl for over a decade, treating her as a "possession" for his sexual gratification.
Release Conditions and Restrictions
Ahmed is due to be released on July 2, 2026, after serving 14 years behind bars, as reported by the Daily Mail. Upon release, he will be subject to strict conditions including an exclusion zone covering the entire borough of Rochdale until June 10, 2034. He will also be required to wear an electronic tag, adhere to curfews, and be placed on the sex offenders' register for life. Any breach of these conditions will result in immediate imprisonment.
Deportation Obstacles
Despite having his British citizenship removed, Ahmed cannot be deported because he renounced his Pakistani citizenship. A Home Office spokesperson stated, "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims of these appalling crimes. Ahmed's horrific crimes were at the heart of the grooming gangs scandal that represents one of the darkest moments in our country's history." The Home Office attempted for over a year to persuade Pakistan to accept Ahmed and other gang members who had also renounced their Pakistani citizenship, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Victim Notification
Ahmed's victims were reportedly informed by email through the Victim Contact scheme about his release date and the conditions imposed. The email noted that all possible routes to remove Ahmed from the country had been explored but were not feasible due to his renunciation of Pakistani citizenship. If Ahmed leaves the UK voluntarily, he will be barred from returning.
