The release of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a notorious child sex grooming gang, has sparked deep concerns among victims and local authorities. Ahmed will be released from prison on July 2, according to documents published online.
Victims of the grooming gang have expressed their fears about Ahmed's release, citing concerns for their safety and the safety of their children. One victim, identified as 'Ruby,' stated, "I'm scared for my safety and my kids' safety. The main ringleader is getting out of prison, who is well known in Rochdale, Oldham, and Middleton, so even if he's not in that area, he still knows people and has a chance to talk to people from that area and that makes me unsafe."
Ruby also called for a change in the law to allow for the deportation of grooming gang members. Another victim shared a statement with Parents Against Grooming UK in Rochdale, stating, "The pending/recent release of Shabir Ahmed from prison has had a profound and debilitating impact on my life. I live in a constant state of hypervigilance, fearing for my physical safety every time I leave my home."
Documents published online reportedly from the Probation Service state that Ahmed will be released on licence with strict conditions, including an exclusion zone centered on Rochdale and initial accommodation at a staffed facility. Ahmed had worked as a taxi driver and was employed by Oldham Council as a benefits rights worker before his conviction in 2012.
Ahmed's release has sparked outrage among local leaders, with the leader of Rochdale council expressing concerns about how the news would affect survivors still living in the area. A national inquiry into grooming gangs was launched earlier this year, following criticism of the government's handling of the issue.
A Home Office spokesperson stated, "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims of these appalling crimes. On his release, he will be on the sex offenders register for life, ordered to stay away from his victims, and banned from contacting any child or young person."
Ahmed's case follows a similar legal battle by two other gang members who were stripped of their British citizenship in 2022 after fighting a long legal battle. Both invoked their human rights to avoid deportation. Ahmed's release has sparked a call for increased support for victims of grooming gangs and for reforms to the law to allow for the deportation of those convicted of such crimes.
