Key facts
- Shabir Ahmed is identified as the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang.
- Ahmed is set for release from prison this week.
- He was convicted in 2012 for rape and sexual offenses.
- His British citizenship was revoked following his conviction.
- Ahmed cannot be deported to Pakistan.
- Deportation is prevented by the Immigration Act 1971.
- Ahmed arrived in the UK before 1973.
- He has lived in the UK for over five years.
Shabir Ahmed, who is identified as the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, is expected to be released from prison this week. Ahmed was convicted in 2012 for rape and sexual offenses and subsequently had his British citizenship stripped. However, he cannot be deported to Pakistan. The reason for this inability to deport is due to provisions within the Immigration Act 1971. Specifically, the act prevents the removal of individuals who arrived in the United Kingdom before 1973 and have lived in the country for more than five years. These conditions apply to Ahmed, barring his removal from the UK.