Rochdale grooming gang fight deportation after child sex offences
Nine members of the infamous Rochdale grooming gang were jailed in 2012 for horrific child sex crimes. Key figures include Abdul Aziz, 51, Adil Khan, 51, and Qari Rauf, 52.
Top offenders face deportation battle
The Home Office has made it clear that Aziz, known as “the Master” within the gang, will not be deported. Khan and Rauf argue that deporting them would breach their human rights.
Back in 2017, Theresa May—then Home Secretary—ruled that stripping these men of British citizenship and deporting them “would be conducive to the public welfare.” All three also hold Pakistani nationality.
Legal wrangling drags on for years
Since their release from prison, the trio have waged a prolonged legal fight to avoid deportation, filing numerous appeals and objections.
At a recent London tribunal, it emerged Aziz was already told he would keep his British citizenship and remain in the UK.
- Aziz gave up Pakistani citizenship in July 2018, just days before a Court of Appeal ruling said he could lose his British citizenship.
- Rauf and Khan officially renounced their Pakistani citizenship in September 2018 after the court decision.
- Rauf refuses to restore Pakistani nationality, fearing it would lead to deportation.
During the hearing, Khan challenged the Home Secretary, saying, “If Mr. Aziz was an angel and I am a devil…”
Gruesome crimes exposed
Aziz was jailed for nine years for conspiracy to abuse children and trafficking a 15-year-old girl for sex exploitation. He drove his victim to apartments where drugs and alcohol were used to coerce her into sex with gang members for money.
Rauf, a father of five, trafficked a 15-year-old girl in his cab to isolated locations for sex before taking her to flats for further abuse.
Khan impregnated a 13-year-old girl but denied paternity. He also used violence to traffic a 15-year-old girl after she complained.
Deportation decision pending
The deportation hearing was postponed, with a decision expected later this year. The case continues to ignite fierce debate over justice, citizenship, and public safety.
