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Grooming gang ringleader stripped of British citizenship cannot be ... Grooming gang ringleader stripped of British citizenship cannot be deported because of immigration loophole 30 Jun 2026, 10:12 | Updated: 5h ago Share Facebook WhatsApp Email Link Copied Link CheckCircle Want LBC stories before everyone else? Set us as your Preferred Source on Google Shabir Ahmed was described as a ‘leading figure’ in the Rochdale grooming gangs scandal. Picture: Shabir Ahmed Greater Manchester Police/PA By Asher McShane @ashermcs A Pakistani grooming gang ringleader convicted of 30 child rape offences cannot be deported because of an immigration loophole, despite him being stripped of his British citizenship. Listen to this article Loading audio... Shabir Ahmed, 73, a key figure in the Rochdale grooming gang scandal, is due to be released from prison on Thursday but cannot be thrown out of Britain. This is because he is protected from deportation by a provision in the immigration act that exempts Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 from removal. Ahmed has lived in the UK long enough to qualify for the exemption despite being jailed in 2012 for multiple rape and child sex o…

Abuse survivor living in fear over grooming gang leader's release A Rochdale grooming gang survivor is scared for her safety as the man who led the abuse is due to be released from prison this week. Shabir Ahmed, 73, was jailed for 22 years in 2012 after being found guilty of 30 child rape charges. News of his release on licence — reported to be tomorrow — has sparked outrage, particularly after it was revealed a 50-year-old law prevents him from being deported. It has also prompted calls for the abuse ringleader to remain in prison. The Home Office told Newsnight that following his release, Ahmed will be on the Sex Offender Register for life, ordered to stay away from victims, is banned from contacting any child or young person, as well as facing strict curfews and restriction zones. His every movement will be tracked, he will be forced to wear an electronic tag and should he breach his conditions, he will immediately be locked up. ‘Ruby’, one of Ahmed’s victims, told BBC Newsnight last night that she fears for her safety and the safety of her children because of his imminent release. She told the programme: “The offender is being released from prison in less than two days…

Grooming gang ringleader convicted of 30 rapes 'cannot be deported' ByPATRICK HARRINGTON, UK NEWS REPORTER Published:20:53 EDT, 29 June 2026|Updated:22:17 EDT, 29 June 2026 867 Viewcomments Agrooming gangringleader who was convicted of 30 child rapes reportedly cannot be deported - despite being stripped of his British citizenship. Shabir Ahmed, 73, a key figure in the Rochdale grooming gangs, is set to be released from prison within a matter of days. Ahmed immigrated to the UK fromPakistanand his British citizenship was revoked during his prison sentence - but he will stay in the country thanks to a rule in the Immigration Act 1971. A clause protects Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 from removal. Instead, he will be allowed to live in the community under a number of curfews and exclusion zones. Ahmed was jailed in 2012 for concurrent sentences of 22 and 19 years. He was one of nine men convicted of sexual offences against multiple children, who they groomed at two takeaway restaurants in Rochdale. Prosecutors identified Ahmed as one of the ringleaders. After 14 years behind bars, he is due to be released on July 2 this year, his victims have been…

UK govt mulls emergency law to deport grooming gang ringleader to Pakistan Labour is exploring emergency legislation to deport a grooming gang leader. Shabir Ahmed, convicted of child rape, was released after serving fourteen years. He is currently exempt from deportation due to an old immigration law. The government is considering legislative changes to address this loophole. Discussions are ongoing with Pakistan to facilitate his removal from the UK.

Rochdale grooming gang ringleader to be released this week - but ... Rochdale grooming gang ringleader to be released this week - but victims told he cannot be deported Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, was jailed in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls in Rochdale, Greater Manchester News Phil Cardy Senior Reporter 16:03, 30 Jun 2026 Updated 16:04, 30 Jun 2026 View 2 Images Grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed to be released (Image: MEN Media) The ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang is set for release this week and cannot be deported, his victims have been told. ‌ Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, had dual British-Pakistan citizenship - but was stripped of his British citizenship following his conviction in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls . ‌ Documents published online, apparently from the Probation Service to one of his victims, state he will be released Thursday. But he cannot be deported back to Pakistan due to provisions in the Immigration Act 1971, which bar his removal. These are that he arrived in the UK before 1973 and has lived in the UK for at least five years …

Government exploring ‘every route’ to deport grooming gang ringleader – minister By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang, is set to be released from prison on Thursday after serving 14 years of a 19-year sentence (Greater Manchester Police/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Officials are “looking at every route” to deport the Rochdale grooming ringleader set to be released from prison on Thursday, a minister has said. Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as Daddy, has served 14 years in jail since his conviction in 2012 for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. But victims have been told he cannot be deported to Pakistan despite being stripped of his British citizenship and have expressed fears for their safety once he is out of prison. Speaking to LBC on Thursday morning, Labour minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said Ahmed was one of a “small number” of people who came to the UK from Commonwealth countries 50 years ago who…

Vile grooming gang leader must be deported to Pakistan after he is ... Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook ANDY Burnham has led demands for a grooming gang ringleader to be deported back to Pakistan. The Prime Minister-in-waiting said nothing should be “off the table” to kick out Shabir Ahmed, 73, when he is released from prison this week. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! 4 Shabir Ahmed (top-left) was convicted along with eight other paedophiles Credit: PA:Press Association 4 Andy Burnham has led demands for the grooming gang ringleader to be deported Credit: AP Advertisement The 73-year-old rapist was locked up for multiple counts of sexual offences against girls in Rochdale in 2012 but cannot be removed under current laws. Despite abusing kids as young as 12, the Immigration Act prevents his deportation because he moved to Britain in 1973. Mr Burnham said yesterday: “Like everyone, I want this vile criminal out of the country. Victims must come first. “I will ask the Home and Foreign Secretaries to review all possible options – and they should consider nothing is off the table.” READ MORE ON GROOMING GANGS GET HIM OUT Paki…

Fury as Rochdale grooming gang ringleader cannot be deported 'due to ... Shabir Ahmed is a convicted child sex offender linked to the Rochdale grooming gang scandal (Image: PA) Outrage has grown over the imminent release of a convicted child sex offender linked to the Rochdale grooming gang scandal , who cannot be deported from the UK despite being stripped of his British citizenship. Shabir Ahmed, 73, is due to leave prison on Thursday after serving part of sentences totalling more than 40 years for rape and child sexual offences. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The case has reignited criticism of immigration and sentencing rules after it emerged that, although his citizenship has been removed, legal provisions prevent his deportation from the country. The express understands, he will instead remain in the UK under strict monitoring arrangements, including lifelong inclusion on the sex offenders’ register, electronic tagging, curfews and exclusion zones. Authorities say his movements will be tightly controlled and any breach of conditions will result in immediate return to custody. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A Home Office spokesman said: “Our thoughts are first a…

PM asks Home Secretary to examine options for deporting grooming gang ringleader By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments 4 Skip to next photo 1 / 1 Show caption 1 / 1 0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Sir Keir Starmer has asked the Home Secretary to review the case of a Rochdale grooming gang ringleader amid calls for the law to be changed to allow him to be deported. Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, was released from prison on Thursday, the Press Association understands, after serving 14 years since his conviction in 2012 for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. He is understood to have been freed on licence and told he must initially live at a bail hostel which is staffed 24 hours and wear an electronic GPS tag, so will not be allowed to his last known address on Windsor Avenue in Oldham and is subject to an “exclusion zone”, meaning he cannot go to parts of Rochdale. He has been stripped of his British citizenship, leaving him with only Pakistani na…

UK in talks with Pakistan over deportation of Rochdale grooming gang leader: BBC <p>The UK government is in talks with Pakistan over the possibility of deporting a leader of the Rochdale grooming gang to the country, the <em>BBC</em> <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="link--external" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8e2j0z7xgxo">reported</a> on Friday.</p> <p>Shabbir Ahmed, who has dual British-Pakistani citizenship, was released from prison this week after his 2012 <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1425951">conviction</a> on multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls.</p> <p>British officials told his victims that Ahmed could not be deported to Pakistan because of a 55-year-old law barring his removal.</p> <p>However, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked the home secretary to review Ahmed’s case following calls for his deportation from the UK.</p> <p>The <em>BBC</em> reported that Andy Burnham, who is widely tipped as a future leader, was among those calling for Ahmed to be deported.</p> <p>“We have raised this issue with our counterparts in Islamabad and we are committed to doing everything possible to deport foreign national off…

Ministers leaving ‘no stone unturned’ to deport grooming gang leader, vows Murray By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a Rochdale child sex grooming gang (Greater Manchester Police/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will leave “no stone unturned” to throw a Rochdale grooming gang leader out of the country, a fellow Cabinet minister said. Shabir Ahmed, 73, who has been stripped of his British citizenship leaving him with only Pakistani nationality, cannot be deported due to a 1971 law that forbids the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. Reports have also suggested Pakistan might not accept Ahmed because he had previously renounced his citizenship. Officials have been holding talks with the Pakistani authorities to try to find a way to put Ahmed on a plane out of the UK. Ahmed, known to his victims as “Daddy”, was released from prison on …

Freed Rochdale grooming gang leader was judged ‘high risk’ to children in 2023 <p>Exclusive: Shabir Ahmed, jailed in 2012 for rape, abuse and trafficking of girls, was deemed three years ago to present ‘high risk of sexual offending’</p><p>The leader of the Rochdale grooming gang was deemed to pose a “very high risk of serious harm” towards children just three years ago, the Guardian can reveal.</p><p>Shabir Ahmed, 73, was freed from HMP Leeds on Thursday despite three failed attempts to secure parole, the most recent of which was in October 2024. One document, relating to a previous review in 2023, shows Ahmed was seen to present a “high risk of sexual offending”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jul/03/freed-rochdale-grooming-gang-leader-was-judged-high-risk-to-children-in-2023">Continue reading...</a>

Mahmood to close loophole blocking deportation of Rochdale grooming gang ringleader <p>Home secretary expected to amend Immigration Act but hurdles remain if Pakistan continues to refuse to take Shabir Ahmed back</p><p>Shabana Mahmood is planning to change the law so the government can move towards deporting the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang.</p><p>The home secretary is expected to amend the 1971 Immigration Act, which prevents Shabir Ahmed from being removed from Britain.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/08/mahmood-to-close-loophole-blocking-deportation-of-rochdale-grooming-gang-ringleader">Continue reading...</a>

Rochdale grooming gang ringleader cannot be deported, victims told <p>Provisions in Immigration Act prevent Shabir Ahmed, due to be released, being sent to Pakistan</p><p>The ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang is due to be released from prison this week and cannot be deported from the country, his victims have been told.</p><p>Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, was convicted of multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls in 2012.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/30/rochdale-grooming-gang-ringleader-cannot-be-deported-victims-told">Continue reading...</a>

Andy Burnham breaks silence on grooming gang deportation scandal Shabir Ahmed cannot be deported. (Image: Getty) A terrified victim of notorious grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed declared she fears for her children’s safety as he is set to be released from prison. Ruby, who was raped more than 100 times, said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should rewrite deportation laws to boot out the Pakistani paedophile. Ahmed will have served 14 of his 22-year sentence behind bars. And he will not be sent back to Pakistan because of a 50-year-old loophole. Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973 cannot be booted out if they have lived in the UK continuously for five years. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more Subscribe Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy And Andy Burnham, who is set to become Prime Minister within weeks, hinted he could look at visa bans if Pakistan refuses to take back it…

Grooming boss farce: Fury continues to grow over freed gang … ByMARTIN BECKFORD, POLICY EDITORandDAVID BARRETT, HOME AFFAIRS EDITORandJAMES TOZER, NORTHERN CORRESPONDENT Published:20:24 EDT, 2 July 2026|Updated:21:29 EDT, 2 July 2026 6 Viewcomments Ministers are under mounting pressure to find a way of deporting a notoriousgrooming gangringleader freed from jail yesterday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was ordered to tackle the scandal afterDowning Streetinitially said vile Shabir Ahmed could not be kicked out of the country because of a legal loophole. Despite being stripped of his British citizenship, the paedophile cannot currently be removed because the 1971 Immigration Act protects Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. And there are fears that even if the law is changed, his home country ofPakistanwill still refuse to take him back. Last night Ms Mahmood andForeign SecretaryYvette Cooper were urged to use the threats of restricting visas or cancelling aid payments unless Islamabad agrees to the return of the predator, the leader of a gang of nine men who exploited girls as young as 13 at two takeaway restaurants in Rochdale after plying …

PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham targets Rochdale grooming gang ... - LBC PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham targets Rochdale grooming gang ringleader with new deportation drive Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, will be freed on Thursday after serving 14 years in jail for multiple rape and sexual offences abut his victims have been told he cannot be deported to Pakistan 1 Jul 2026, 16:45 | Updated: 20m ago Share Facebook WhatsApp Email Link Copied Link CheckCircle Andy Burnham has called for the Rochdale grooming gang ringleader to be deported in renewed drive. Picture: LBC / Handout / Alamy By StephenRigley Andy Burnham, the likely next prime minister, has said “nothing is off the table” to ensure the ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang is deported, as he is set for release from prison in 24 hours. Listen to this article Loading audio... Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as “Daddy”, will be freed on Thursday after serving 14 years in jail since his conviction in 2012 for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. Victims have also been told Ahmed cannot be deported to Pakistan despite being stripped of his British citizenship. They have express…

Ringleader of Rochdale Grooming Gang to Be Released and Cannot Be ... Ringleader of Rochdale Grooming Gang to Be Released and Cannot Be Deported Shabir Ahmed, ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, is set to be released from prison but cannot be deported due to UK immigration laws. Victims express outrage as Ahmed faces strict licence conditions and supervised accommodation. 1 day ago · 4 min read Share Ringleader of Rochdale grooming gang 'cannot be deported' Shabir Ahmed was the head of a gang which abused girls as young as 12 The ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang is set to be released from jail this week and cannot be deported, his victims have been informed. Shabir Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as "Daddy", held dual British-Pakistani citizenship but was stripped of his British citizenship following his 2012 conviction for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls. Documents reportedly from the Probation Service, shared online with one of his victims, indicate that Ahmed will be released on Thursday. The Home Office described Ahmed's crimes as "appalling" and stated he will be subject to stringent licence conditions upon release. Ahmed is req…