‘High-Risk’ Victim of Freed Rochdale Grooming Gang Ringleader Placed Under Police Protection

A victim of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang, has been given police protection following his early release from prison.

Shabir Ahmed, 73, was released on licence this week from HMP Leeds after serving just 14 years of a 22-year sentence. He was convicted in 2012 for multiple offences including rape, sexual assault, trafficking, and conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child.

One of his victims, known only as Ruby, who was just 12 years old when the abuse began, has been classified as a “high-risk victim” by Greater Manchester Police. Officers have provided her with an “urgent response marker” for rapid deployment to her home and installed a panic app on her phone.

Ruby, now 32, told authorities she does not feel safe with Ahmed back in the community. She previously described being plied with vodka and cigarettes before being raped “continuously” by up to 40 men.

Background and Concerns

Maggie Oliver, a former detective constable with Greater Manchester Police who resigned in 2012 to highlight institutional failures, met with senior officers last week to ensure Ruby’s safety. Oliver stated that Ruby had already encountered one of her attackers in a local shop after his earlier release — without any prior warning from authorities.

Ruby expressed fury over not being informed about Ahmed’s release, saying in a statement: “I am absolutely furious that no one contacted me… not the Prison Service, not Victim Liaison, no one.”

Other victims have also had security measures increased, though many reportedly remain unaware of Ahmed’s release or his whereabouts.

Deportation Issues

Victims had been promised that Ahmed would be deported after serving his sentence. However, a legal loophole in the Immigration Act 1971 prevents his removal. Despite having his British citizenship revoked, Ahmed cannot be deported because he renounced his Pakistani citizenship, and Pakistan refuses to accept him.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly looking to close the loophole, while the government is considering visa sanctions or withholding aid to pressure Pakistan.

Current Situation

Ahmed, who forced victims to call him “Daddy,” is now under heavy monitoring and is being housed in a bail hostel in northern England at an estimated cost of £120 per night to taxpayers.

Prior to his release, he had been assessed as “unsafe” and a “high risk” to children.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39649809/victim-rochdale-grooming-gang-ringleader-police-protection-scared-safety/