UK: Convicted Child Rape Gang Leader Released, Avoids Deportation

Shabir Ahmed, Greater Manchester Police | Jihad Watch

The ringleader of the infamous Rochdale grooming gang, convicted of raping 30 children, has been released from prison despite continued calls for his deportation. Shabir Ahmed, 73, walked free from HMP Leeds on Thursday and has been placed in a bail hostel in northern England, reportedly costing taxpayers around £120 per night. He is living near Rochdale, where many of his victims still reside, and is being monitored with a GPS tag.

Ahmed, a Pakistani national who became a British citizen through naturalisation, was found guilty in 2012 of systematically grooming and sexually exploiting vulnerable girls, some as young as 13. He and eight associates used alcohol and drugs to manipulate their victims, with Ahmed reportedly instructing them to call him “Daddy.” Although he served 14 years of his 19-year prison sentence, many of his victims remain deeply concerned about their safety following his release.

After his conviction, Ahmed was stripped of his British citizenship but retained Pakistani nationality. Despite this, the UK Government maintains that a legal exemption prevents his deportation to Pakistan. The Ministry of Justice has declined to confirm his release publicly, citing security concerns, though sources have stated that he has been moved to a secure accommodation outside the Greater Manchester Police area.

The decision has renewed criticism of the government's handling of foreign offenders convicted of serious crimes. Andy Burnham has pledged to press senior ministers to explore every possible legal avenue to remove Ahmed from the UK, insisting that “nothing is off the table.” However, Downing Street reiterated that Ahmed currently benefits from an exemption under UK law, leaving ministers unable to deport him despite widespread public concern.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)