Shabir Ahmed, identified as the leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, was released from prison on Thursday in early July 2026 after serving 14 years of a 19‑year sentence.

He was convicted in 2012 on multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls, according to gdelt, and has been denied parole three times, most recently in October 2024, as reported by the Guardian. In 2023 he was assessed as presenting a high risk of sexual offending and a very high risk of serious harm to children, also reported by the Guardian.

Accounts differ on his citizenship status. Some reports state he holds dual British‑Pakistani citizenship, while other reports say his British citizenship has been stripped, according to other outlets. gdelt also reported that he has been stripped of British citizenship.

The UK government is in talks with Pakistan about deporting him, according to Times of India, which also noted that he cannot be deported because an old immigration law exempts certain Commonwealth citizens. Labour is exploring emergency legislation to allow his deportation, also reported by Times of India. Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked the Home Secretary to review his case, as reported by Dawn, and a minister said officials are looking at every route to deport him, according to gdelt.